Phil’s Million – Raising £1 million for Help for Heroes

My name is Major Phil Packer and on the 19th February, I was injured in an incident following a rocket attack in Basra. Sadly, as a result of the accident I lost the use of my legs and I am now a paraplegic with what are classed as catastrophic injuries. I was originally told I would never walk again as I had complete injuries, however there have been positive improvements and late last year I stood and then took my first steps. I attend Headley Court every other month where the Medical Team assists me in physical rehabilitation and constantly gives me new hope. At the same time, Bryn and Emma Parry at Help for Heroes have consistently provided me with support, inspiration and the strength to move on.

I continue to serve in the Army and as a Serving Officer, am determined to assist others and provide information on sport to the disabled community; I believe it is my responsibility to do so. I have also pledged to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes as I hope to make a difference to the injured servicemen that I continue to meet and work alongside at Headley Court; each one of them an inspiration to me; this is for them.

Phil's Million is a team of friends and colleagues and a growing network of likeminded people and companies that are linking together to help me reach my target, support others and have some fun along the way by raising £1 million for Help for Heroes. I hope that fellow that the public as well as service personnel from the Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines will come up with challenges and events to help me.

I hope to raise ongoing sponsorship and to do so, I have laid down the gauntlet for ANY challenges, events or sports to participate in, that will assist me in reaching my target and the main challenge of 2009 will be the Flora London Marathon which I will complete over three weeks when; I am determined to walk the distance with callipers and / or crutches. This is my aim and I hope that everyone backing Help for Heroes will join me on one of the 21 days that I will be out there and walk a mile with me. I will then fly to the United States of America and climb El Capitan.

The list of challenges I hopes to complete before then is growing and I hope to complete them in between my treatment at Headley Court. They will be the challenges for 2009 and include skiing, horse-riding, a swimming challenge, sailing urban abseiling, F1 driving, Scuba Diving, Rowing the Channel, tennis, weightlifting, power boat racing and being the first paraplegic in a reasonably priced car on Top Gear (if they challenge me!).

If you have a challenge to add to the list, or can help me complete any of these challenges, then contact me at phil@helpforheroes.org.uk I am also more than happy to attend an event or dinner where I will talk about my journey. I have a new website called www.philpacker.com and this will hopefully provide information on disability as well as assisting in raising the £1million.

If you want to make sure that your donation goes towards Phil’s Million, make sure your cheque to Help for Heroes comes with a note that says you want it to go to Phil, or go online and make your secure donation to Phil’s Million at www.justgiving.com/philsmillion. The link is on my website. Every penny goes straight to Help for Heroes.

George Eliot wrote "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for others?" – I cannot do this alone. Phil.

"Thank you all so very much for the cheque I received today. It really means a lot to me; I’ve put an entry on my fundraising tab on the website. I sincerely appreciate all your support. My very best wishes, Phil".

PM Packer AGC (RMP), Major.