Leeds-based national charity Epilepsy Action walked a mile of the Virgin London Marathon with Phil Packer on Sunday (25 April). The charity was chosen by Phil as one of 26 charities to benefit from his marathon challenge. Phil and the Epilepsy Action team walked mile 13 across London’s famous Tower Bridge landmark.
At 10.00 am on Sunday, Phil started the Virgin London Marathon and finished the 26 miles 26 hours later at 12.00 pm yesterday (26 April). Phil aims to inspire young people living with disabilities and encourage them to reach their potential. He walked each mile with a support walker between the ages of 16 and 25, who were nominated by each charity. All the walkers had received direct support from their charity.
Phil has raised £1.3 million for charity since he suffered serious spinal injuries in 2008 while serving in the British Armed Forces. He rowed the English Channel, walked the Flora London Marathon over 14 days and hauled himself up El Capitan (over 4,250 pull ups in three days), all within a six month period last year.
Phil said: “My own personal journey over the past two years and the relationships I have established with a number of charities, young people with disabilities and their families, has increased my knowledge and understanding of the challenges those living with disability face daily.
“I am delighted to support Epilepsy Action and its vision to live in a society where everyone understands epilepsy and where attitudes towards the condition are based on fact not fiction.”
Philippa Cartwright, fundraising events manager at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Phil walked a mile to support Epilepsy Action. The mile was a fantastic way to raise awareness of epilepsy. The atmosphere as we walked across Tower Bridge was electric and we’d like to thank everyone who beeped their car horns, cheered us on and donated!”
There is still time to sponsor Phil and support Epilepsy Action. Please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/philpacker