Phil Packer is walking slowly through the streets of east London today to complete his 2,012-mile trek around Britain—despite his a severe spinal cord injury.

The founder of the British Inspiration Trust who has already completed most of his epic ‘Brit 2012 Challenge’ called in at Cumberland Secondary School in Plaistow this-morning to give a pep talk to the pupils.

The 12-month trek that ends at Canary Wharf on December 18 is to publicise his campaign to raise �15 million for a ‘centre of inspiration’ for young people facing adversity.

“This is about providing a physical legacy for those facing their darkest times,” he said.

“I hope businesses show support by helping create the centre after this very special year with the Queen’s Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics.”

Phil suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2008 and was told he was unlikely to walk again. But he is proving the doctors wrong.

Consultant Angela Gall from the London Spinal Injury centre said: “The energy he uses to walk is three to four times that of someone without a spinal injury.

Phil puts additional stress on his musculoskeletal system. Eight to 10 miles a day needs effort and determination—he’s walking an equivalent of a marathon every a day.”

Phil’s Centre of Inspiration is planned as a facility to transform the lives of youngsters facing depression and despair from trauma, with its residential courses to help reshape their lives.

He wants donations of �10,000 from businesses to build it or �5,000 for specialist equipment—and already has pledges including British Airways, BT, Land Rover, Calor, Capital Shopping, Virgin and WPP.