Souness to swim Channel for teen’s charity

A Scottish football legend has teamed up with a Highland dad to raise awareness of a rare skin condition.

Isla Grist, 14, suffers from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic condition that causes the skin to become fragile and tear or blister at the slightest touch.

It leaves her in extreme pain and she struggles to complete the simplest daily tasks.

Inspired by her story, family friend Graeme Souness has challenged himself to swim the English Channel.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Mr Souness described EB as “evil” and said Isla is the “most courageous human being” he’s ever come across.

The former Scotland captain will be joined by Isla’s dad Andy for the June 18 challenge. They estimate it will take around 16 hours for the 20.5 mile crossing and hope to raise £1.1 million for Debra, the butterfly skin charity.

The pundit and exmanager, 70, said it won’t be easy and revealed he has not swum in the sea before.

But he said: “From the time I have spent with Isla and her family, I have seen first-hand the extreme pain this devastating condition causes and the daily challenges it creates for them.

“Now I’m not one to walk away from a challenge but... despite living by the sea for the past 16 years, I’ve never been in it, and Isla is the only reason I did.”

Proud Isla praised her dad and Mr Souness, saying: “Dad’s been training hard in the sea and pool, including through a tough Scottish winter, and I’m so proud of him and Graeme for pushing themselves like this to try and help raise awareness of EB.”

Her dad said: “I know that Isla wants what we all want: a life free of pain... and we must continue to fight EB.”