Unite with universities and colleges across the country for the 2023 British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) Challenge dedicated to supporting student and staff mental health, fitness and wellbeing nationally.
Our University community will also have the unique opportunity to attend a talk by Phil Packer MBE, founder and unpaid CEO of BRIT, who was inspired to create the charity following his extraordinary completion of a series of extreme physical challenges after sustaining catastrophic spinal injuries while serving in Iraq. For some time, he was under the command of Lincoln’s own Deputy Vice Chancellor Julian Free.
The severity of his injuries meant that Phil was unlikely to walk again, yet after five months of hospitalisation and six months of rehabilitation, he rowed the English Channel, completed the London Marathon (in 14 days), and scaled El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, all in the space of six months.
Each of these outstanding feats has raised money and awareness for causes close to Phil’s heart, raising a total of over £1.3 million for the wounded. By working with and being appointed as an ambassador for numerous charities, he felt that the charity sector could collaborate better. This prompted the creation of BRIT. Money raised through the 2023 challenge will be split between BRIT and another charity of the fundraiser’s choice; in Lincoln’s case, this will be Bromhead Medical Charity.
Phil Packer MBE said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to the University of Lincoln and join students and staff as they participate in their BRIT Challenge activity. I am overwhelmed with the engagement and support from across the education and sport sectors and delighted that universities and colleges are coming up with innovative ways to take part.”
What is the BRIT Challenge?
The BRIT Challenge is an annual challenge run over the past three years with almost 250 universities and colleges participating. This year, the challenge will centre around a theme of ‘2023’, commencing on 23 January and finishing on the 23 March 2023.
In Lincoln, we are hosting a 23-hour cycle challenge where students and staff can sign up to cycle for a slot of 20 minutes, though you’re more than welcome to commit to longer by booking multiple slots. The bikes, supplied by Lincoln’s Sports Centre, will aim to be running continuously throughout the night.
You’ll be in good company, as DVC Julian Free has already signed up to cycle the final slot, commenting that: “The BRIT Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for the University of Lincoln Community to support the BRIT Trust in raising funds to help young people struggling with their mental health whilst taking part in an activity which will also improve ours – though it might leave us gasping for breath!”
Why sign up?
The challenge itself encourages better mental and physical health by encouraging participants to do something active with other members of their university community, while raising money for a local cause. Bromhead Medical Charity is committed to improving healthcare through offering grants to individuals who need support for treatments, diagnosis, surgical procedures, consultations or therapies. Many of the people benefiting from the charity are helped because they had to wait too long, or their operation wasn’t available on the NHS, or because someone else depended upon them being well.
Where and when?
The University of Lincoln’s challenge will take place in the Isaac Newton building from 23 January 10am to 24 January 9am, lasting a total of 23 hours. Phil Packer will be present for the final hour before giving his talk in the Jackson Lecture Theatre at 10:30am which will open into a Q&A.
Sign up to a cycle slot at the link here.
Book onto the talk at the link here.
Support the Lincoln team via donations to the cause at the link here.