Island Pulse having been first with the news in publishing and tweeting the impending arrival of Phil Packer and his Brit 2012 National Hike to the Isle of Wight, many thanks to George Chastney for forwarding the following review of Phil’s visit to the Island.
Members of Cowes RNLI lifeboat were among those that assembled in Newport to welcome ex-soldier Phil Packer, on a grueling country-wide 2,012 mile BRIT 2012 charity hike.
Ex-soldier Phil, who suffered spinal injuries in Iraq in 2008, is aiming to raise money towards the building of a £15 million centre for youngsters facing adversity. Through his British Inspiration Trust he wants to encourage youngsters who have had tough lives to aspire to better things.
He started his mammoth walk at Chichester College in West Sussex on 24 January, and today he began his Isle of Wight stint at Newport’s St George’s special school, where enthusiastic pupils were joined by the Island’s High Sheriff, Susie Sheldon. Also very much in attendance were members of local emergency services, including Cowes RNLI station’s operations manager, Mark Southwell, and crew member Stuart Higgs – in full life-saving gear.
Adding to the occasion was a trailer towing a D Class RIB from the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre, East Cowes, and two local fire appliances. Mark expressed his gratitude to the ILC’s operations manager, Glyn Ellis, for allowing the lifeboat to attend.
Phil explained that although his walk was in aid of the £15 million centre he also wanted to champion the good work of the RNLI, and would not want this charity to suffer because of his project. This sentiment also applied, he said, to the NSPCC and the separate benevolent funds that operated for the police and fire services.
Phil began his Island walk by circling St George’s playing field several times, accompanied by many of the 140 pupils, school staff, parents, the High Sheriff and representatives of emergency services. Then it was out on to the road for the very public walk-about on the Island, which included visits to the Isle of Wight College and Carisbrooke. Throughout he was accompanied by an impressive entourage of supporters, keen to demonstrate they intended the Island to play its full part in Phil’s brave challenge.
Among the many accolades already received by Phil are Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards and the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He is the founder and unpaid chief executive of the British Inspiration Trust, and has already raised £1.3 million in past charity walks.
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