Today marks the half-way point of
the BRIT
2012 Challenge! I have now walked 1006 miles and have 1006 miles to go in
the second half of this year. I am sincerely thankful and feel such gratitude
to everyone that has supported BRIT and I this far. Getting out on the road and
visiting schools, colleges, universities and sports clubs has been so
rewarding. Every day I meet young people and they share their stories with me
confirms that the BRIT Centre of Inspirational Excellence is needed.
 |
| Sir Richard Branson - BRIT Mentor |
At this point in the Challenge
BRIT is launching the appeals to businesses to step forward, join me and pledge
to build the Centre. A pledge of £10,000 will help to build the actual Centre
and a pledge of just £5000 will go to equip the Centre. As an example, I am
delighted that BRIT Mentor, Sir Richard Branson, and The Virgin Group gave a pledge
of £10,000 to build the Centre.
 |
| With the BBC at Media City in Manchester on reaching halfway on my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
The generous pledges of Virgin,
BT, BA, Coutts & Co, Alfred Dunhill Ltd, Capital Shopping Centres, Calor
Gas, MEC, WPP and Norton Motorcycles, to build BRIT, show that they are
businesses that have a strong sense of corporate social responsibility. By
investing in the BRIT Centre, they are investing in the lives of our young
people. Many times in this life, when you are trying to overcome a struggle,
what you most need is someone to believe in you, even when you don’t believe in
yourself. I thank all the businesses who have pledged so far for believing in
the potential of our young people post trauma. Due to the generosity of these
businesses BRIT is on the way to getting the necessary £15 million to build the
Centre of Inspiration.
Day 151 was busy aside from
reaching the half-way point and receiving pledges. I did a couple of
interviews, one with Sky and another live broadcast with Victoria
Derbyshire from BBC Radio 5 Live. At both venues I had the chance to talk
about BRIT and the need to support young people post trauma.
 |
| Victoria Derbyshire BBC Radio 5 Live |
During my interview with
Victoria, John from Essex Fire Fighters called in and on behalf of Fire
Fighters, pledged to donate the necessary fire equipment for the BRIT Centre of
Inspiration. My sincere thanks to John and the Essex Fire Fighters for their
generous gift. As I said to Victoria, the fire services personnel have been
with me, except when called out in an emergency, on each of the days I’ve been
on the road. Their support has been unwavering and the young people love to see
them at the Challenge walks. My special fire fighters jacket continues to be
covered with the different badges from the different county Fire & Rescue
Services. When the BRIT Centre is built the fire jacket will be put on display
for visitors and young people to see a visual sign of support from our
incredible fire and rescue service personnel.
 |
| BRIT Fire Fighters Jacket on a young BRIT supporter |
Our fire and rescue service
personnel are a great example of us all doing what we can, gifting what we can
and together building the BRIT Centre.
To continue with a fantastic day
I was privileged to have lunch with Vice Chancellor Professor John Brooks from Manchester Metropolitan University.
The university offers over 1,000 courses to over 37,000 students. I was
delighted to meet with Vice Chancellor Professor Brooks and talk with him about
our mutual interests in education and how universities can partner with BRIT.
At the end of our lunch Professor Brooks kindly offered to help BRIT, by
helping us to empower young people. Keep reading the blog in the future to see
our autumn appeal to schools, colleges and universities.
 |
| With President and Vice Chancellor of Manchester Metrpolitan Univeristy, Professor John Brooks, and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dennis Dunn MBE JP on Day 151 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk |
My final stop on this amazing day
to continue my walk was Manchester United FC. I was met by the incredible staff
that was very welcoming. What an incredible moment to be in their stadium
walking around. I’ve been so amazed at the many outreach projects and support
that Football Clubs provide to their communities and young people.
After finishing my visit I got
back in my gifted BRIT Land Rover and started the long seven hour drive home.
After two weeks on the road I am most definitely looking forward to sleeping in
my own bed. I leave the North of England, having met an amazing group of
people. Each and every day I learned something new and I am so grateful to
everyone that has taken time to support me and the BRIT 2012 Challenge.
 |
| At Manchester United on Day 151 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk |
Together we’ve made it to the
half-way point. I urge you to keep supporting and believing in BRIT and I; I
will build the BRIT Centre of Inspiration – no matter how long it takes.
I end today with 1003 miles to
go!
Best wishes,
Phil