Phil and Bilal
Between 10 am on Sunday 25 April and 12 noon on Monday 26 April, British Inspiration, Phil Packer, who was seriously injured in 2008, will be attempting to walk the Virgin London Marathon in 26 hours against all odds. At 7am on Monday 26, Phil is going to be joined for one hour by Bilal Hussein, a registered blind student from RNIB College Loughborough.
Against the odds
Last year Phil, who was not expected to walk again after suffering serious spinal injuries, completed the London Marathon in two weeks. This year he is attempting the marathon in just 26 hours, supported each hour by a different inspirational young person representing a different UK charity. From 7am, hours after many runners have crossed the finish line, Phil and Bilal will still be in the middle of their challenge.
Bilal Hussein, 21, like Packer has not allowed his disability to stand in the way of his ambition With the help of RNIB College Loughborough he has been able to continue his academic studies, fuelling his ambition to teach, whilst learning vital independent life skills. "I am really excited about marathon day" says Bilal, "Phil is an inspiring person who can really show people that anyone is capable of following their dreams."
RNIB and British Inspiration Trust
Phil says: "During my journey, I have met so many young people who have overcome what could be seen as enormous challenges and they never give up. Bilal's support is crucial to both my understanding of disability and of the work of RNIB. He, like the other young people accompanying me on my journey, drive me forward in my plan to build the British Inspiration Trust, and I know that his, and RNIB's support will be the start of a very special long-term partnership and relationship."
Any money raised will go straight to RNIB College Loughborough, where they hope to purchase new gym equipment for the students, and perhaps help train a new generation of paralympians.
If you would like to pledge your support for Phil and Bilal visit their Virgin Money Giving page
ENDS
Photos are available upon request.
Phil Packer will be available for telephone interviews during the week commencing 12th April 2010.
Bilal Hussein will be available for interviews outside college hours in the week commencing 12th April 2010.
For more information contact Jess Sweetman, RNIB Media Relations Team on 0207 391 2081
Email Jessica.sweetman@rnib.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around 1.8 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
RNIB College Loughborough supports young people and adults who are blind, partially sighted or/and have other disabilities, to develop the skills and personal qualities needed to progress in life. http://www.rnibcollege.ac.uk
About Phil Packer
Since his injury Phil Packer has completed the 2009 London marathon, has climbed El Capitan, rowing the English Channel, completing the Three Peaks Challenge and skydiving. Last year he won the Helen Rollason award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, as well as Pride of Britain Awards fundraiser of the year. This year he will be walking the London Marathon in just 26 hours, helped by 26 different support walkers, representing UK charities whose aim it is to help young people reach their ambitions.
For more information on Phil please visit: www.philpacker.com
RNIB would like to thank Vison Express for their support with this initiative