Phil Packer visits Eastbourne RNLI
Eastbourne RNLI lifeboats were delighted to welcome the inspirational Phil Packer to the inshore lifeboat station this week as part of his 2012 mile challenge. In company with lifeboat crew and representatives from Eastbourne fire fighters, Phil walked 10 miles up and down Eastbourne seafront.
Phil Packer was an army Major who was injured in Iraq in 2008. He suffered spinal injuries and was told by specialists that he would never walk again. He entered the London marathon in his wheelchair but ended up walking as some feeling had returned to his legs. It took him 2 weeks and he raised over £1 million for the ‘Help the Heroes’ charity. Since then he has climbed El Capitan and has rowed the English Channel. He also walked the three peaks with Kate Silverstone for Comic Relief. He has received Sports Personality of the Year, Pride of Britain and was honoured with an MBE.
This year he has turned his attention to helping young people who face adversity and is promoting his charity by walking 2012 miles around the UK. He has spent the last year partnering various charities and is aiming to build a centre in West Sussex for young people requiring help. He has many famous mentors who have pledged their support who will visit the centre to help inspire these young people - Jamie Oliver, Brian Turner, Jenson Button to name but a few, he will also support them through training and employment. The charity is called British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) which is backed by many people including Richard Branson and David Cameron.
Phil Packer's website is www.philpacker.com and the BRIT website is www.britishinspirationtrust.org.uk