On Wednesday, 30th April, legendary footballer Graeme Souness CBE will return to the waters of the English Channel, embarking on an ambitious round-trip swim to raise money and awareness for the rare condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Alongside six teammates, Graeme will attempt to complete the double Channel swim in support of individuals with EB – a severe genetic skin disorder that leaves skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wing, prone to tearing and blistering with even the lightest touch.
Graeme’s initial swim across the Channel in June 2023 captured national attention, raising over £1.5 million for DEBRA UK. Motivated by that success, he’s now doubling down to help fund critical next steps in EB treatment development.
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”.
The challenge will begin at 11:30am from Dover Harbour. The team’s fundraising aim of £750,000 could help launch two additional clinical trials, bringing hope to EB patients who face daily struggles with wounds, blisters, and unbearable itching.
To find out more, visit www.debra.org.uk and to sponsor Graeme and his team, visit www.give.as/debra.
