523Every once in a long while you meet people who really inspire you. I was lucky enough to meet two at the same time.

On the left is Alastair Humphreys, an adventurer and author who spent four years cycling round the world, ran the incredibly arduous Marathon des Sables and is training for SOUTH, the first unsupported return journey to the South Pole, a trip which frankly sounds frightening.

On the right is Major Phil Packer, who was injured in Iraq in February 2009. He was told he’d never walk again, but is making progress on beating that prediction. When he tells you that he will walk again, you can’t help but believe and admire him.

Together these remarkable gents are preparing for a charity row across the Channel in the white boat behind them – they’re pictured here at the Royal Albert Docks in London, days before their start date of 14 February 2009.

Phil is aiming to raise £1m for Help for Heroes, which helps those who have been wounded in Britain’s current conflicts. Good luck boys!