Inspirational fundraiser Phil Packer meets students at Sully's Beechwood College (From Penarth Times)

Inspirational fundraiser Phil Packer meets students at Sully's Beechwood College

9:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

A FORMER soldier who suffered severe spinal injuries while on duty in Iraq in 2008 has visited the Vale, as part of a fundraising walk which aims to raise £15 million.

Phil Packer MBE was at Beechwood College in Sully on October 5, to complete six miles of his epic 2,012 mile challenge which will, by the end of the year, have seen him visit every county in the UK.

He visited the college - the only specialist residential college for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Wales - to promote his vision for the £15million British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) Centre, a unique facility that will aim to transform the lives of young people contemplating self-harm or facing depression and self-despair as a result of traumatic experiences.

Having been told he was unlikely to walk again, walking eight to 10 miles for Phil is the equivalent of more than a marathon for a person without a spinal cord injury.

But having already completed 1,496 miles of his epic challenge walk, he was joined for a couple of his six miles in the Vale by students at Beechwood, as they strolled around Cosmeston Lakes.

Phil, who has raised more than a million pounds for charity since his injury, said: "This is about providing a physical legacy for our young people who face their darkest times.

"I hope that businesses will show their support of our young people who face adversity by creating a Centre of Inspiration together. I also hope to involve young people and encourage teams to help charities within their communities."

General manager of Beechwood David Powell said: "It's a real pleasure to have met Phil and heard his story. He is an inspiration and it's been a wonderful experience for staff and students alike."

For more information see www.philpacker.com/2012Challenge