Graeme Souness Completes English Channel Swim to Raise £1m for Charity
Football legend Graeme Souness has completed a swim across the English Channel to raise £1m for charity. The ex-Liverpool player was inspired to take on the challenge after meeting Isla Grist, 14, who suffers from rare skin disease Epidermolysis bullosa. He broke down in tears during a BBC interview as he described it as “the cruellest disease out there”.
The 70-year-old, who lives in Dorset, took 12 hours and 17 minutes to complete the 21-mile swim. He took part in the challenge with five others, including Isla’s father, to raise money for Debra UK, which supports people with the disease, also known as butterfly skin.
Inspiration from Isla Grist
Souness said he first became aware of the disease about five years ago. He said he had now become “mates” with Isla, whose courage was an inspiration to him. Speaking on BBC Breakfast ahead of taking on the gruelling test of endurance, the former Rangers and Scotland player described meeting Isla from the Scottish Highlands. He choked back tears as he described her as “the most unique person I’ve ever met”.
“She does this to me every time. She’s an inspiration to me – even at my age,” he said. DebraIsla, from Black Isle, near Inverness, has had her condition since birth and has to be wrapped head to toe in bandages. These are changed three times a week in a procedure that is extremely painful.
“This disease… it’s the cruellest, nastiest disease. For someone so young to be so brave… and Isla’s aware of the impact this has on her mum and dad and she helps them,” he said.”This is a very special young lady you’re in the company of, she really is, and I am… she gets me in tears every time I’m in her company.”
Debra UK Congratulates Souness
Posting on Twitter, the charity offered its “huge congratulations” to Souness and his fellow swimmers. Special coverage of Graeme Souness’ Channel swim will feature on BBC Breakfast on Monday 19 June. Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
Conclusion
Graeme Souness’ inspiring swim across the English Channel is a testament to his commitment to raising money for Debra UK and helping those suffering from Epidermolysis bullosa. His courage and determination were greatly inspired by Isla Grist, a 14-year-old girl who suffers from the rare skin condition. His efforts will go a long way in helping those with butterfly skin and raising awareness of this cruel disease.