Graeme Souness and team of swimmers complete Channel challenge
Inspired by a teenager from the Black Isle, the former Scotland international has helped raise more than £1m to go towards tackling a rare skin condition
Last updated 19th Jun 2023
Football legend Graeme Souness has completed a swimming challenge across the English Channel.
As part of a team, he finished the swim over the weekend in aid of raising funds and awareness for excruciating skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
The Former Liverpool Captain and Scotland International was inspired by 14-year-old Isla Grist who has the condition.
Graeme was joined by five others, including Isla's dad Andy, who have now raised more than £1.1 million for the charity DEBRA.
The charity posted on their Twitter to pass on their gratitude.
They said: "21 miles, completed it!
"A huge thank you to Graeme, Andy, Sean, Steph, Rob and Andy M for taking on this challenge to help #StopThePain for people living with EB."
EB, which can be fatal, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin making it extremely fragile and delicate.
Even minor friction or trauma can cause the skin to blister and tear, leaving sufferers in excruciating pain, and with unbearable itch.
Speaking to us last month, Souness said it's a "humbling experience" and a "joy to be around" Isla, who's lived with it her whole life.
He said: "Great sense of humour.
"She just seems to pick on me all the time.
"It’s a humbling experience to be in her company.
"She’s a very cute kid, smart, she’s like a small adult.
"Just a joy to be around, but at the same time heart-breaking.
"When you see this in real life it’s like someone has taken a blow torch to your skin.
"The pain that must be giving her on a daily basis is something no one can comprehend."
Speaking to us last week, Isla explained why she is happy with the attention EB has received over the last few weeks.
She said: "It's a really good thing more people know about it.
"It isn't a very pleasant condition at all.
"There are a lot of people in the UK and the world that have this condition, but don't have a way to voice it."
To donate towards the Channel Swim fundraiser click here.
To find out more about EB head to the DEBRA website.