GWENT students joined Phil Packer, MBE, for part of an epic walking challenge as part of his aim to spread awareness of trauma in young people.

Mr Packer is the founder of the British Inspiration Trust and is completing the BRIT 2012 Challenge.

This will see him walk 2,012 miles across the UK to raise £15 million to build a centre to help 16- to 25-year-olds facing adversity.

This is despite Mr Packer suffering a severe spinal cord injury in 2008, when he was told he was unlikely to walk again.

Students from Coleg Gwent met Mr Packer when he reached the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone on October 23 and Coleg Gwent’s Usk campus on October 25.

Students studying public services, music and independent living skills courses listened to Mr Packer’s experiences since his injury, including rowing the Channel and walking the London Marathon over 14 days.

They then walked several miles with him to show their support.

Mr Packer had already completed more than 1,600 miles of the challenge and is expected to finish in December, when he will have walked the equivalent of 310 marathons in 330 days.

He said: “I am sincerely grateful to all the Coleg Gwent staff and students who made me feel very welcome.”

See www.britishinspirationtrust.org.uk