AN IRAQ war veteran who suffered severe spinal injuries in a rocket attack in Basra stopped in at his old school during his epic 2,012 mile BRIT 2012 challenge.

Phil Packer, from Petts Wood, was told it was unlikely he would ever walk again after being injured while serving as a Major with 115 Provost Company in 2008.

But since then he has completed several fundraising sporting challenges including rowing the English Channel and running the London Marathon.

And this year he is walking across Great Britain and Northern Ireland to raise £15m to build the BRIT Centre of Inspiration in West Sussex.

This building is planned to help transform the lives of youngsters who are thinking about self harming or dealing with depression.

As part of his walk he visited his old school Eltham College, Grove Park Road, Mottingham.

Mr Packer said: “I was absolutely delighted that my visit to the London borough of Bromley, as part of my BRIT 2012 mile walk, was hosted by Eltham College.

“It was the 323 day of walking throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland this year and I am sincerely grateful to the headmaster, staff and students for giving me such a warm welcome.

“It was a pleasure to meet the mayor of Bromley and to spend time with students who accompanied me as we walked around the grounds.

“The day was a very special one as I spent eight years at the school and since then have continued to stay in touch.

“Many of the teachers who gave me so much support when I was younger, and experiencing domestic violence at home, came to greet me and I am humbled to continue to receive such strong support from the headmaster who has been a great friend to me."

Go to britishinspirationtrust.org.uk/HOME for details about how you can support Mr Packer and the BRIT Centre of Inspiration.