On the 5th March, Speakers from the Edge Alastair Humphreys and Andy Kirkpatrick will be setting out with Phil Packer and BBC’s Kate Silverton on an inspirational challenge for Sport Relief.

Phil Packer, who suffered severe spinal injuries in Basra in February 2008, is teaming up with Kate Silverton to attempt to summit the UK’s three highest peaks in just 72 hours. Setting out on Friday, Phil and Kate will be supported in this grueling mountain challenge by mountaineer Andy Kirkpatrick and adventurer Alastair Humphrey’s.

Alastair explains why he was keen to help Phil:

"The Three Peaks Challenge is one of Britain’s best known and most respected challenges. I was privileged to have worked with Phil on last years expeditions and am really looking forward to taking on another arduous challenge with Phil that will help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people around the world."

Phil’s Sport Relief challenge is just the latest in a series of extraordinary fundraising endeavors, and will be the second time both Alastair and Andy have helped him to reach his goal. In 2009, he undertook 3 big challenges raising over £1 million for charity, rowing the English Channel with Alastiar, walking the London Marathon over 14 days and hauling himself up El Capitan under the expert guidance of Andy Kirkpatrick.

Phil Packer climbing El Capitan in June 2009.

Photo:  Ian Parnell

Phil’s aim is clear - he hopes his example will inspire young people with disability, deprived young people and injured service personnel, whilst raising money for charities which support all of these groups.

“For so many life can be challenging and at times it can be hard to cope with. Sport Relief has the ability to assist, support and improve the lives of so many, but to do so it needs our help and I hope our challenge will encourage others to rise to the challenge and be a part of Sport Relief this year.”

The team are aiming to climb the three peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, in just 72 hours. Experienced mountaineer Andy explains why this will be such a grueling challenge:

“Climbing any of these mountains in March is a big undertaking. Add in one of the worst winters in living memory and a bloke who’s not too good on his feet, plus the fact that he has to do them all in three days, and you have quite a challenge on your hands!”

The team face 10,000 feet of ascent and descent, approximately 20 miles of walking and a road trip of 460 miles. On the final challenge in Snowdon, Phil and Kate will be joined by Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Clive Woodward.