AN INJURED soldier is today starting the final 78 miles of a journey to inspire young people.

Phil Packer MBE, a private who suffered severe spinal injuries while serving in Iraq four years ago, begins his charity walk in Gilwell Park, Chingford, this morning.

Scouts and Mayor of Waltham Forest Richard Sweden will join him as he tries to prove everything is possible by walking six miles starting at the scout centre – the equivalent of a marathon for him due to his injury.

Mr Packer has already completed more than 1,900 miles of his 2,012-mile walking target around the UK which is due to finish on December 18, and hopes to raise enough money for his charity, the British Inspiration Trust.

A total of £15 million will enable him to build a Centre of Inspiration in West Sussex to transform the lives of young people facing depression or contemplating self-harm.

By the end of his Brit 2012 Challenge, Mr Packer will have completed 310 walks in 331 days, despite being told it was likely he would never walk again after getting injured.