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Philip Packer (born 1972) is a British charity activist who suffered serious injuries while serving with the British military in
Iraq Iraq,; ku, عێراق, translit=Êraq officially the Republic of Iraq, '; ku, کۆماری عێراق, translit=Komarî Êraq is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Turkey to Iraq–Turkey border, the north, Iran to Iran–Iraq ...
in 2008 and has since engaged in numerous publicised physical challenges in support of his charity, the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), and other causes.


Surgery and rehabilitation

Packer sustained severe
spinal cord The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column (backbone). The backbone encloses the central canal of the spi ...
injuries in 2008, whilst on operational duty with British military forces in Iraq. He had a motor-complete T12/L1
spinal cord injury A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes in its function. Symptoms may include loss of muscle function, sensation, or autonomic function in the parts of the body served by the spinal cor ...
,"Marathon miracle"
GMTV GMTV (an acronym for Good Morning Television), now legally known as ITV Breakfast Broadcasting Limited, was the name of the national Channel 3 breakfast television contractor/licensee, broadcasting in the United Kingdom from 1 January 1993 ...
, 11 June 2009 and was told he would never walk again."Paraplegic soldier rows Channel"
BBC News BBC News is an operational business division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) responsible for the gathering and broadcasting of news and current affairs in the UK and around the world. The department is the world's largest broadca ...
, 14 February 2009 Following
surgery Surgery ''cheirourgikē'' (composed of χείρ, "hand", and ἔργον, "work"), via la, chirurgiae, meaning "hand work". is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a person to investigate or treat a pat ...
and recuperation, his injury improved to T12/L1 motor-incomplete.


Physical challenges to raise funds

Following his recuperation, Packer has embarked on numerous publicised physical challenges, both to raise money, and to help himself recuperate psychologically from his injuries. In February 2009, less than a year after his injury, Packer rowed the
English Channel The English Channel, "The Sleeve"; nrf, la Maunche, "The Sleeve" (Cotentinais) or ( Jèrriais), (Guernésiais), "The Channel"; br, Mor Breizh, "Sea of Brittany"; cy, Môr Udd, "Lord's Sea"; kw, Mor Bretannek, "British Sea"; nl, Het Kana ...
with
Alastair Humphreys Alastair Humphreys is an English adventurer, author and motivational speaker. Over a four-year period he bicycled around the world. He was a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012. He is responsible for the rise of the idea of the m ...
."Major Phil Packer finishes marathon"
Sara Dixon, ''The Times'', 9 May 2009 Next he entered the 2009 London Marathon. It took him thirteen days to complete the course, then the longest time in the event's history. By the end of the marathon he had raised £637,000 for wounded ex-servicemen."Disabled Major Phil Packer crosses London Marathon finish line two weeks after starting"
Sharon Van Geuns, ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily tabloid. Founded in 1903, it is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the title on its masthead was simply ''The Mirror''. It had an average daily print ...
'', 10 May 2009"London Marathon major Phil Packer gets over line in 26 hours"
''
Metro Metro, short for metropolitan, may refer to: Geography * Metro (city), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urba ...
'', 27 April 2010 The same year with support from an expert climbing team led by
Andy Kirkpatrick Andrew Kirkpatrick is a British mountaineer, author, motivational speaker and monologist. He is best known as a big wall climber, having scaled Yosemite's El Capitan over 30 times, including five solo ascents, and two one-day ascents, as well ...
, Packer was brought up
El Capitan El Capitan ( es, El Capitán; "the Captain" or "the Chief") is a vertical Rock formations in the United States, rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The El Capitan Granite, granit ...
, the granite cliff in
Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park ( ) is an American national park in California, surrounded on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. The park is managed by the National Park Service and covers an ar ...
, over a period of 3 days.Major Phil Packer: 'I don't want to let other people down'
Phil Reay-Smith, ''The Daily Telegraph'', 11 June 2009 In 2010 Packer and
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
...
presenter
Kate Silverton Kate Silverton (born 4 August 1970) is an English journalist. She formerly worked as a broadcaster and newsreader for the BBC. Silverton was a regular presenter of ''BBC News at One'' and ''BBC Weekend News'', as well as making occasional appea ...
, with other personalities, took part in the
National Three Peaks Challenge The National Three Peaks Challenge is an event in which participants attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. It is frequently used to raise money for charitable organisations. Walkers climb each pe ...
for
Sport Relief ''Sport Relief'' was a biennial charity event from Comic Relief, in association with BBC Sport, established in 2002. It was the idea of Kevin Cahill, CBE, who had joined Comic Relief in 1991 to establish a new department as Director of Educati ...
, climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 72 hours. The challenge was the focus of the BBC documentary ''A Major Mountain to Climb''."Iraq War veteran Phil Packer and BBC newsreader Kate Silverton complete Three Peaks Challenge"
''The Daily Telegraph'', 10 March 2010 He also took part in the 2010 London Marathon, completing it in 26 hours. From January to December 2012, Packer walked 2012 miles throughout the U.K. and Northern Ireland, to raise awareness of his charity."Chichester College is proud to be supporting the British Inspiration Trust"
Chichester College news In September 2015, Packer again walked a marathon through London, taking 14 hours, to raise funds for BRIT.


Charity positions

In 2010, Packer founded the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), which aims to "deliver inspiration to young people facing adversity (who are physically or mentally disabled, deprived, have medical conditions, are injured or wounded)". The Trust was launched with an event at
10 Downing Street 10 Downing Street in London, also known colloquially in the United Kingdom as Number 10, is the official residence and executive office of the first lord of the treasury, usually, by convention, the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Along wi ...
with Prime Minister
David Cameron David William Donald Cameron (born 9 October 1966) is a British former politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. He previously served as Leader o ...
.Inspirational Malmesbury teen chosen for Iraq hero's new inspiration charity
Tina Robins, ''Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard'', 2 December 2010 His principal role is with BRIT but he has also held positions in other charities: * Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust (2009–present) * Special Ambassador for The
Royal Yachting Association The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is a United Kingdom national governing body for sailing, dinghy sailing, yacht and motor cruising, sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative for inl ...
's Sailability Program (2009–present) * Ambassador for The
Douglas Bader Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, (; 21 February 1910 – 5 September 1982) was a Royal Air Force flying ace during the Second World War. He was credited with 22 aerial victories, four shared victories, six probables, one shared ...
Foundation (2009–present) * Patron for The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
NSPCC The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is a British child protection charity. History Victorian era On a trip to New York in 1881, Liverpudlian businessman Thomas Agnew was inspired by a visit to the New Yor ...
Team GO (2009–present) * Patron of
Cardiac Risk in the Young Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a humanitarian charitable organisation helping to raise awareness of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD, SCD), including sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS, SDS). CRY was established in May 1995 by Alison C ...
(CRY) (2009–present) * Vice Patron of The
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, located in the United Kingdom, provides support to those affected by cancer. It was founded in 1999 and named after Helen Rollason MBE, who died of cancer at age 43. Cancer support Founded in 1999, the char ...
(2011–present) * Ambassador for The UK
The Scout Association The Scout Association is the largest Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom and is the World Organization of the Scout Movement's recognised member for the United Kingdom. Following the origin of Scouting in 1907, the association was for ...
Scout Association (2012–present) * Ambassador for The Calvert Trust (2009–2014) * Special Ambassador for The
Army Benevolent Fund ABF The Soldiers' Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund,Third Sector Magazine"Charity rebranding: a change of vision and strategy" ''Third Sector Magazine'', 06/04/10 is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided ...
– The Soldiers' Charity (2009–2014) * Ambassador for The
Football Foundation The Football Foundation is the United Kingdom's largest sports charity, channelling funding from the Premier League, The FA and the government (through Sport England) into transforming the landscape of grassroots sport in England. History Launc ...
's Inside Right Programme (2009–2014) * Envoy for The
Royal Navy The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against F ...
and
Royal Marines The Corps of Royal Marines (RM), also known as the Royal Marines Commandos, are the UK's special operations capable commando force, amphibious light infantry and also one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy. The Corps of Royal Marine ...
Children’s Fund (2010–2014) * Envoy for
Combat Stress Combat stress reaction (CSR) is acute behavioral disorganization as a direct result of the trauma of war. Also known as "combat fatigue", "battle fatigue", or "battle neurosis", it has some overlap with the diagnosis of acute stress reaction used ...
(Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society) (2010–2014) * Envoy for The
National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society is the leading charity for autistic people and their families in the UK. Since 1962, the National Autistic Society has been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, serv ...
(2010–2014) * Envoy for
Arthritis Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, and decreased range of motion of the affected joints. In som ...
Research UK (2010–2014) * Vice President of The Children's Trust (2011–2014) * Envoy for The Papworth Trust (2011–2014)


Awards

In 2009, he won the Helen Rollason Award at the
BBC Sports Personality of the Year The BBC Sports Personality of the Year is an awards ceremony that takes place annually in December. Devised by Paul Fox in 1954, it originally consisted of just one, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Several new awards have been i ...
awards, was "Fundraiser of the Year" at the
Pride of Britain Awards The Pride of Britain Awards is an annual award ceremony which has taken place in the United Kingdom since May 1999 and first televised on ITV in April 2000. The awards honour British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challeng ...
,"Fundraiser Of The Year - Major Phil Packer"
Pride of Britain Award Winners 2009 and received the Athlete of the Year Badge from
The Scout Association The Scout Association is the largest Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom and is the World Organization of the Scout Movement's recognised member for the United Kingdom. Following the origin of Scouting in 1907, the association was for ...
.Scout's honour for Britain's best
The Scout Association The Scout Association is the largest Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom and is the World Organization of the Scout Movement's recognised member for the United Kingdom. Following the origin of Scouting in 1907, the association was for ...
, 31 July 2009 Packer was made appointed
Member of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established o ...
(MBE) (Mil) in the
Queen's Birthday Honours The Birthday Honours, in some Commonwealth realms, mark the reigning British monarch's official birthday by granting various individuals appointment into national or dynastic orders or the award of decorations and medals. The honours are present ...
of 2010,Dog unit army major among Queen's honours
BBC News Online, 12 June 2010 and also received the Jane Tomlinson Inspiration Award from ''Runner's World''.
''Runner's World'', 23 April 2010 In 2012, Packer was awarded an honorary
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
degree in education from the
University of Chichester , mottoeng = By teaching, we learn , type = public university, Public , established = 2005 , administrative_staff = 600 , vice_chancellor = Jane Longmore , city = Chichester, West Sussex , country ...
. In 2014, he was awarded a
Master of Arts A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
degree in Psychological Trauma from the
University of Chester , mottoeng = "He that teacheth, on teaching" , former_names = , established = (gained university status in 2005) , type = Public , endowment = £395,000 (2018) , budget = £118.3 million , chancellor = Gyles Brandreth , vice_chancello ...
.


References


External links


Phil Packer official website

British Inspiration Trust website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Packer, Phil 1972 births Living people British Army personnel of the Iraq War English people with disabilities People educated at Eltham College People from Sussex People with paraplegia Royal Military Police officers British charity and campaign group workers National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children people