PHIL PACKER
Founder of the British Inspiration Trust
As founder of the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT), and leading the charity as a full-time volunteer, Phil has inspired hundreds of thousands of students and university and college staff throughout the UK to deliver and engage in inclusive wellbeing activities, raise funds for charities and participate in civic duty by volunteering and carrying our Acts of Kindness in the community.
Collaborating with the Education Sector to Support the Mental Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing of Students and Staff
Having visited over 900 universities, colleges, and specialist colleges, across the UK, Phil continues to spearhead a collaborative initiative and build relationships with Education Sector Agencies and Governing Bodies, universities, colleges, and specialist colleges: to improve young adult, student, and staff wellbeing; promote inclusivity; and understand how better to support those experiencing trauma and adversity, or who feel isolated and lonely.
Championing Wellbeing, Inclusivity and Diversity, supporting Communities and Charities, and promoting Volunteering and Civic Duty
Through the British Inspiration Trust’s annual BRIT Challenge, Phil, and the charity’s Ambassadors, provide a strategic framework, and free to take part in opportunity, for students and staff to unite and engage in inclusive wellbeing activities, community Acts of Kindness, and charitable fundraising, to promote mental health and wellbeing, social good and civic duty.
Phil Packer MBE (Mil.)
Phil's Story and Journey
In 2008, Phil was injured on operational duty whilst serving with Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, and sustained catastrophic spinal cord damage, a bruised heart, and rib injuries. Post-surgery, hospitalisation, and extensive rehabilitation, a year later, he tackled three physical challenges within six months, galvanising the nation and raising vital funds (over £1.3million) for charity. This was the catalyst that started his support to the Charity, Health, Sport, and Education Sectors.
Supporting Charities and Communities
With support teams around him, Phil rowed the English Channel, completed the London Marathon on crutches over 14 days, and hauled himself up the sheer rock face of El Capitan, completing 4,250 pullups over 4 days. These events led Phil to be asked to support a wide range of charities and causes in ambassadorial roles and have established him as an inspirational leader within the UK’s national charity, sport, and education sectors.
Promoting Volunteering and Civic Duty Throughout the UK
In 2009, Phil was named Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain Awards, received the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC’s Sport Personality of the Year, and, in 2010, received an MBE (Mil) in The Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Gifted Speaking
Keynote Speaking and Events
Phil delivers talks on a wide range of subjects including resilience, disability, collaboration, leadership, volunteering, fundraising, community engagement, and civic duty. He is candid, sincere, engaging, and is determined to destigmatise mental health.
Phil’s unique approach when speaking to corporations and businesses is to decline a speaking engagement fee and ask them to donate in lieu of a speaking fee to the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) or a charity of their choice alongside BRIT. This initiative allows companies to benefit from Phil’s expertise and inspiration while supporting meaningful causes through charitable contributions.
Phil does not charge a fee to deliver talks to universities, colleges, schools, and in support of charities.
