Former British serviceman Phil Packer MBE is hiking 2,012 miles for charity and brought his expedition to Birmingham today to raise money for Mosaic.

The ex-serviceman, who was told by doctors he would be unlikely to walk again, is hiking through the city to raise money to support young people – including those mentored by Mosaic.

Mr Packer said: “I took up this challenge to raise awareness of youth disadvantage in this country and in an effort to raise significant funds for youth organisations including Mosaic, which is a cause close to my heart.”

He started his challenge in January this year and is due to complete it in December completing 2,012 miles across the nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The BRIT 2012 challenge aims to raise £15 million to build a Centre of Inspirational Excellence for young people facing adversity.

Mr Packer met 40 pupils from Golden Hillock School, who are currently being mentored by Mosaic, to walk part of the course. Money raised for the walk in Birmingham will be jointly shared between Mosaic and The Children’s Trust.

Nicole Lavelle, Midlands Community Fundraising Manager for the Trust, said: “We are delighted to have Phil’s continued support. He is a Vice-President of The Children’s Trust, visiting on numerous occasions. His story has been an inspiration to the children, many of whom have had to learn to walk again, following an acquired brain injury. We are cheering him on all the way during his exciting challenge.”

Following the walk, the Chairman of Mosaic West Midlands Shabir Nawab hosted a reception with Mr Packer and Mosaic at Birmingham Town Hall alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Birmingham City Council. Mr Nawab, of Shabir Nawab and Co has already made a donation £2,012 towards the walk.

Shabir Nawab, Chairman of Mosaic West Midlands, said: “To have the support of a courageous and special individual like Phil is an honour for Mosaic. His inspiration has touched many individuals and we know that the pupils mentored by Mosaic are looking forward to meeting Phil. I am sure they will take away inspiration from this amazing challenge which he is due to complete.”

Najma Hafeez, Mosaic board member added: “I am delighted to welcome Phil Packer to Birmingham and look forward to him joining us in Mosaic to inspire and enable young people to excel. He is a great example of how you can achieve heroic success despite facing adversity. We look forward to working with him to enable many young people to shine and succeed.”

If you want to help young people in Birmingham – and in other cities across the UK – we are seeking mentors to go into schools and work with groups of students. Could it be you? Find out more about what’s involved