Phil Packer, the Royal Military Police soldier left paraplegic after a Basra rocket attack, has taken up a challenge laid down by top model and leading polo player Jodie Kidd to take horse riding lessons, H&C has learned.

Phil is aiming to prove he has mastered riding by joining Jodie to lead polo teams into the Hickstead polo arena on Saturday evening (June 27) for the Derby Polo Challenge, which features past winners of next day's DFS Derby. He will also demonstrate his new equestrian skills on Sunday (June 28) by riding in the International Arena before the DFS Derby.

Phil has two objectives: to continue fundraising for the Help for Heroes charity and to highlight work done by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). He has completed a series of challenges, including completing the London Marathon and climbing El Capitan in California, and has so far raised over £1million.

An RDA spokes person said: "We are delighted to receive Phil's support. His understanding and enthusiasm for RDA highlights the value of our work and demonstrates the importance and impact of learning new skills and achieving personal goals. We wish him well for this next challenge, and know our 23,000 riders and carriage drivers, together with our dedicated volunteers, will be routing for him."

Help for Heroes will have a stand at the British Jumping Derby Meeting (June 25 - 28) and Phil will be there on Saturday and Sunday to meet people and explain the charity's work.