CHALLENGES

To cope with the situation he found himself in following injury, to regain self-confidence, self-esteem, self-belief and to feel empowered to make choices in life, Phil decided to embark upon numerous physical challenges to raise funds for charity, raise positive awareness and enthuse others. His decisions pulled him through the dark times and he started to overcome the adversity faced with physical limitations and this improved his mental well-being.

In 2008, Phil parachuted with the Red Devils , power-boated with Disability Ambassador, Geoff Holt , sailed with RYA Sailability , waterskied with the British Army and attended the Paralympics GB Selection Day where he was offered the opportunity to pursue fast-track training in Fencing, Archery and Basketball.

To achieve the £1million fund-raising target he set himself, his three main challenges in 2009 were completed within six months. He rowed the Channel with Al Humphreys on 14th February, just after a year of being injured and he walked the London Marathon over 14 days on crutches. Phil captivated the nation throughout his two-week ordeal. He then flew out to the USA and hauled himself up El Capitan with a support team of some of the country’s best climbers including Andy Kirkpatrick ; he completed over 4,250 pull-ups and slept on the side of the Mountain for 3 days before reaching the summit. Phil raised in excess of £1.3million for charity in 2009. His efforts inspired millions and gained national recognition including Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards and the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year . The Armed Forces also recognised his efforts prior to his retirement in March 2010 and he was awarded the MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List .

In 2010, in addition to supporting the wounded, he turned his attention and main focus to supporting Young People who face Adversity. To continue his physical challenges and to inspire young people, he climbed the 3 Peaks in 72 hours for Sport Relief with BBC Presenter, Kate Silverton and was joined on Mount Snowdon by Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Clive Woodward. This became the feature for the BBC Inside Sport Documentary “A Major Mountain to Climb” that followed his journey. He then completed his biggest challenge; the opportunity to bring charities together and raise awareness of numerous disabilities, deprivation and medical conditions. On the 25th/26th April 2010, Phil smashed his 14 day London Marathon time and completed the Virgin London Marathon in 26 hours for 26 charities, walking each mile with a young person from each of the charities. Phil understands emotional intelligence and where he can make the strongest impact. He supports numerous charities who support Young People Facing Adversity as well as Service Charities that support our Wounded and our Veterans.

His biggest challenge is set to take place in 2012 – The BRIT 2012 Challenge.