More than £350k raised from Graeme Souness' fundraiser to help those with 'Butterfly Skin' condition
The Former Scotland international has been inspired by 14-year-old Isla Grist, from the Black Isle, to swim the English Channel.
A fundraiser involving former Scotland international Graeme Souness has raised more than £350,000 after an emotional appeal earlier this week.
Alongside a team of swimmers taking part, the ex Rangers player and manager is aiming to raise £1.1 million by swimming the English Channel next month.
He's attempting the challenge alongside the father of 14-year-old Isla Grist who has excruciating skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), otherwise known as 'Butterfly Skin.'
Speaking to us today, Souness says it's a "humbling experience" to be around the Black Isle teenager and is so keen to get the challenge underway that he could do it "this afternoon."
"She just seems to pick on me all the time" - Souness on Isla's "great sense of humour"
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.
There is currently no cure for EB and according to the DEBRA charity, around 5,000 people in the UK currently live with the condition.
Isla has already had 65 operations and constantly gets blistered eyeballs and infections.
Her dad, Andy, described how seeing what Isla has to ensure effects her mum, sister and himself.
He said: "As a family it is extremely hard.
"That sense of helplessness you get from the shock of having a child with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) in Isla’s case, and the immediate visual impact it has on you.
"Then feeling helpless and unable to take the pain away or understand how to take the pain away.
"I’m so fortunate to have been Isla’s dad and met lots of people like Isla.
"They change your life.
"They’re so stoic, positive, caring and empathetic people.
"They want to protect you from the full horrors of what they’re going through, and it is horrific."
Liverpool legend Souness says Isla is a "joy to be around"
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."
Current total raised to help those with EB "fantastic"
Edinburgh born Souness also described the current amount raised for DEBRA as "fantastic" but outlined how vital it is they raise awareness on the rare condition.
He added: "We’ve done our bit and we’ll continue to do our bit.
"That’s fantastic, but what’s more important is that people are aware of it and they feel moved to want to donate money."
The TV pundit detailed how while recently preparing for the challenge, he swam against the tide and described it as a "wake up call."
He said: "The sea is a very unreliable thing, but we’re in good hands.
"Providing it’s not too lumpy and we’re not getting thrown about we’ll be fine
"I’m ready now, I could do it this afternoon and Andy is the same."
You can find out more about EB through the DEBRA website here.
Donations to the English Channel fundraiser can be made here.