Pupils inspired by heroic fundraiser

Phil Packer MBE is known across the country after winning Fundraiser of the Year in 2009 at the Pride of Britain awards and the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

And now he is trying to complete 2,012 miles in the year 2012.

On Tuesday, he ticked off another four miles by walking around the grounds at Princethorpe College.

Head teacher Ed Hester said: “Phil’s visit tapped into Princethorpe’s ethos. Pupils were inspired by his uplifting words about facing difficulties and overcoming adversity. We were delighted to support Phil and be a part of this courageous challenge.”

Phil suffered spinal cord damage in February 2008 while serving with the armed forces. Since retiring from the army in March 2010, he has raised millions of pounds for charity by completing the London Marathon twice, rowing the channel, hauling himself up El Captain, to name but a few of his ventures. I

In November 2010, Phil founded the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), a charity set up to deliver inspiration to Young People facing Adversity. Phil’s aspiration is to build a centre for charities to send young people who face their darkest times to regain self-worth, self-belief and self-confidence.

Phil began the day by addressing the whole school in an assembly. He spoke about how he gradually was able to regain some sensation in his legs after having spent months being bed ridden and then in a wheel chair. He walked four miles throughout the day across the college’s cross country mile route. During each mile he was joined by staff and college pupils from Year 7 to sixth form.Old Princethorpian Matt Parsons, who suffered from paralysis in his arm as a child and is now working at the college as a teaching assistant, mentors for the BRIT trust and it was through him that Phil was able to join them for the day.