On a journey
CHALLENGE Phil Packer completed the Portsmouth leg of his 2,012-mile walk around Britain at the Historic Dockyard. Picture: Steve Reid (120338-592)
A FORMER soldier who feared he would never walk again came to Portsmouth as part of his 2,012-mile fundraising trek.
Major Phil Packer completed the latest leg of his challenge yesterday at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, taking him one step closer to his dreams of opening a Centre of Inspirational Excellence.
He suffered severe spinal cord damage while serving in Iraq in 2008, and was warned that it was unlikely he’d ever walk again.
But, having started the walk five days ago, he is now 72 miles into his journey, and expects it to take him around 300 days to complete.
Phil, from Kent, who walked 10 miles around the dockyard, said: ‘This is a great location. The more people who know about it, the more businesses will step up and pledge.’
He is calling on 2,012 businesses to pledge their support and help raise enough money to open the centre aimed at young people with physical and mental problems.
‘The centre will be aimed at young people with physical or mental disabilities, mental health problems, people who have been injured or wounded, young carers, or people from a deprived background,’ he added.
People are encouraged to participate in the walk. Schools, colleges and universities can walk 2,012 miles as a team as a bid to raise awareness. Anyone who would like to take part or pledge their support, see britishinspirationtrust.org.uk
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Friday 25 May 2012
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