This Wednesday, 30th April, footballing icon Graeme Souness CBE will once again take to the waters of the English Channel. This time, however, he’s not just crossing it – he’s swimming there and back to raise vital funds and awareness for epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Graeme is part of a team of six preparing to take on the demanding two-way crossing in support of people affected by EB – a rare genetic disorder often called ‘butterfly skin’ due to the delicate nature of the skin, which can blister and tear with the slightest friction.
Back in June 2023, Graeme’s first Channel swim raised more than £1.5 million for DEBRA UK, the leading charity supporting those living with EB. Inspired by the impact, he’s returning to the sea for an even greater challenge.
Commenting on his latest fundraising challenge, Graeme said:
“I was truly blown away by the support we got back in 2023. I had to do something for my wee friend, Isla, and the thousands of other children and adults affected by this cruel condition.
With the money raised DEBRA UK was able to start testing drugs which could be life-changing but there are many more drugs that they need to test if we are to secure effective treatments for every form of EB, treatments that could help stop the extreme pain. This is why we’re getting back in the water once again. It’s going to be tough; I’m 71 now and it’s double the distance, but I know we can do this, we must do this, we must be the difference for EB”.
Graeme and the team are expected to begin their swim from Dover Harbour at 11:30am. Their fundraising target of £750,000 could finance two additional clinical trials that may bring relief from EB’s debilitating symptoms – including painful blisters, raw wounds, and constant itching.
For further information, visit www.debra.org.uk, and to support the swim, go to www.give.as/debra.
