5th March 2010
Southdowns Involved in Phil & Kate's Three Peaks Challenge
Disabled Army Hero Phil Packer and the BBC's Kate Silverton Climb Three Peaks for Sport Relief Charity
Major 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 March 5th the daring duo will take the first step on an extraordinary journey
to summit the three highest peaks in the UK, Scotland's Ben Nevis, England's
Scafell Pike and Wales' Mount Snowdon in just 72 hours. It will be a
gruelling
mountain challenge for Phil and Kate who will find themselves climbing in the
dark, in hazardous weather conditions and with little or no sleep.
To complete the team Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Clive Woodward will walk
Snowdon, the final mountain, with Phil and Kate.
As with Phil's
heroic Marathon Walk last summer, the team will once again be
supported on the ground by Southdowns Motorcaravans. Our
Concorde Cruiser
motorhome, will be offering them a comfortable place to rest after their
gruelling days in the mountains as well as transporting them between countries
during the night. The
Concorde Cruiser motorhome is being driven by Southdowns'
own Quinton Hylands.
Just two years ago Phil Packer was recovering from surgery in hospital and was
told he would probably never walk again. Yet at 8.00am on Friday morning he
joined BBC’s Kate Silverton as they took their first step on a truly remarkable
challenge for Sport Relief.
Traditionally the climb is undertaken in 24 hours but Phil Packer suffered
life-changing spinal injuries in Iraq in February 2008, the pair will climb each
peak in a 24-hour period and drive to each throughout the night.
Speaking at the base of the first mountain, Phil, aided by a walking stick, was
in good spirits as he contemplated the day ahead: “When I start my physical
challenges I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have improved mobility
and how far I have come since my days in hospital. I am so fortunate to be able
to do my bit for a tremendous cause like Sport Relief.”
Kate was equally as excited about the prospect of setting off. She said: “'Phil
and I are all set, we're kitted out and as prepared as we can possibly be - the
one element now is the weather, when I last looked it was -7°C at the summit of
Ben Nevis. It could be a phenomenal challenge and we'll certainly be climbing
into the night for each peak - but I'm really excited by what promises to be a
great three-day adventure and am really proud to be doing this.”
Kate will broadcast her BBC Radio 5 Live programme live from the foot of Snowdon on Sunday 7 March (9.30-11.00am) before setting out to complete the challenge.
They will be joined on the mountains by adventurer Al Humphreys, top climber
Andy Kirkpatrick and Phil's close friend Martyn Bird.
Phil and Kate are hoping to raise much-needed cash for Sport Relief to help
change lives. To show them your support and to give them all the inspiration
they need to keep going through this tough challenge,
you can sponsor them right here.
Click here to see Quinton's Diary for the trip.
See Also:
Phil & Kate Interviewed on the BBC |
Phil Packer's Marathon Supporting Help For Heroes |
Phil Packer's
Website |
Sport Relief Website
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