Published at 11:07, Thursday, 28 June 2012

INJURED soldier Major Phil Packer MBE got into step with youngsters – including some from Whitehaven’s Mayfield School – when he brought his gruelling 2012-mile walk to Cumbria.

INSPIRATIONAL: Phil Packer

He visited Netherhall School in Maryport as part of his marathon fundraising walk. He also walked with staff from the New Balance trainer factory in Flimby and visited the plant.

New Balance has supported Major Packer with kit for all his challenges and is paying the petrol for his support vehicle throughout the 2012 walk.

Major Packer, who is 40 this year, suffered spinal cord injuries while on active service in Iraq in 2008 and was told he would never walk again. Since then his battle with his disability and his determination that others will benefit from his misfortune has made him a hero.

He walked the London Marathon, on crutches, over 14 days in 2009.

He is walking 2012 miles in 2012 with the intention of raising enough money to build a ‘centre of inspiration’ for young people facing adversity.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk