FUNDRAISER Phil Packer, who suffered severe spinal injuries in 2008, has joined forces with BBC’s Kate Silverton to embark on an inspirational challenge for Sport Relief.
On Friday March the daring duo will take the first step on an extraordinary journey to summit the three highest peaks in the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon) – in just 72 hours.
It will be a grueling mountain challenge for Phil and Kate who will find themselves climbing in the dark, in hazardous weather conditions and with little or no sleep.
Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Clive Woodward will also walk up Snowdon, the final mountain, with Phil and Kate.
Phil is no stranger to physical exertion and despite his injuries has shown exceptional determination to raising money for charity.
His fundraising efforts to date have included rowing the English Channel, walking the London Marathon over 14 days and hauling himself up El Capitan, completing it through over 4,250 pull ups.
Phil says: “For so many life can be challenging and at times it can be hard to cope with.
“Sport Relief has the ability to assist, support and improve the lives of so many, but to do so it needs our help and I hope our challenge will encourage others to rise to the challenge and be a part of Sport Relief this year.”
Kate says of the challenge, which involves a minimum of 10,000 feet of ascent and descent, approximately 20 miles of walking and a road trip of 460 miles:
“The Three Peaks Challenge is recognised as a serious test of mental and physical stamina and it’s typical of Phil to choose something that will test him so completely.
“We have become good friends this past year – we’re both passionate about the outdoors and about demonstrating what people can achieve by overcoming adversity.”
