Help for Heroes raises money to improve rehabilitation facilities for wounded and maimed servicemen and women, primarily those casualties returning from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Pilgrims presented the donation to Major Phil Packer, who was paralysed in Iraq last year during a rocket attack in Basra. The brave Major Packer lost the use of his legs and was originally told he would never walk again. However, there have been positive improvements and, late last year, he stood and took his first steps.
Major Packer attends Headley Court every other month where the Medical Team assists him with his physical rehabilitation and constantly give him new hope.
Raising the magic million
Major Packer continues to serve in the Army and, as a Serving Officer, has pledged to raise GB pound 1 million for Help for Heroes in recognition of the care he has received. He’s hoping to make a genuine difference for other injured servicemen that he continues to meet.
“I want 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,” said Major Packer.
“The main challenge of 2009 will be the Flora London Marathon which I will complete over three weeks. I’m determined to walk the whole distance with the help of 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.”
Guest speaking opportunities
Major Packer is more than happy to attend an event or dinner where he will talk about his experiences. For more information contact him at phil@helpforheroes.org.uk.
If you want to support Phil go online (we have provided a dedicated link on the right hand panel of this page) and you can make a secure donation to his GB pound 1million target in support of Help for Heroes through Just Giving.
Praise from SMT Online
“I attended a Security Institute meeting just before Christmas, at which Phil was the guest speaker,” commented SMT Online’s Editor Brian Sims. “It was a thoroughly moving speech. This man has shown such tremendous courage and he and all of those returning veterans like him deserve all the support we can give.”
Sims added: “Well done to Pilgrims Group for taking the lead. I hope many other security companies follow suit. These may be tough times on the economic front, but the veterans have served – and are serving – Queen and country. Now they need our help and encouragement. It’s the least we can all do.”