Graeme Souness Takes on New Challenge for Charity After Shoulder Surgery

Football legend Graeme Souness is gearing up for another exciting challenge, setting his sights on a fundraising effort that follows closely after his shoulder surgery.

Last year, Souness showcased his commitment to charity by participating in a relay swim across the English Channel. The swim was in support of DEBRA UK, a charity dedicated to aiding individuals affected by Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a severe skin condition often referred to as butterfly skin.

For this new challenge, the relay team is reforming with an ambitious plan: to swim the Channel in both directions! Once that feat is accomplished, they will embark on an 85-mile cycle ride from Dover to London.

The 71-year-old Souness, who’s still recovering from his surgery, will be taking part in the cycling segment of the challenge, scheduled for September. His commitment to this cause has been deeply personal and inspiring.

Souness’s connection with DEBRA UK began after he met a remarkable 16-year-old named Isla Grist. Isla, who hails from Inverness, has been living with EB, a condition that causes her extreme pain due to severe blistering of the skin.

Reflecting on Isla’s daily struggles, Souness described EB as “the cruellest disease out there,” expressing his admiration for Isla’s strength and resilience in facing such difficulties.

The football icon, famous for his time with Liverpool and Scotland, underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year after sustaining an injury during the previous year’s swim. Initially, he believed that participating in the swim would help with his recovery. However, a recent scan indicated that his shoulder had not healed sufficiently.

“It’s not up to the swim the guys are going to do in September. I just can’t risk it,” Souness shared, adding with a laugh, “I’ll be going on the boat – I’ll be giving them stick at every opportunity.” His humor shows his positive attitude as he transitions into a supportive role for the team.

On the cycling front, Souness feels more comfortable jumping into action. He stated, “It’s the least of my worries,” revealing that he is excited about participating in the ride from Dover to London.

DEBRA UK plays a pivotal role in providing community support aimed at improving the quality of life for those living with EB. The charity is also heavily involved in research for drug treatments to help alleviate the suffering caused by this condition.

Last year’s relay team, which notably included Isla’s father, Andy Grist, successfully completed the 21-mile swim in an impressive 12 hours and 17 minutes, managing to raise an astounding £4.5 million for DEBRA UK.

Andy expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm regarding the upcoming challenges, stating, “It’s fantastic, not just for me but for Isla too – she gets a lot from this.” His pride and support for both Isla and the cause shine through his words.

In light of this ongoing effort, Souness’s latest fundraising adventure promises to be even tougher than last year’s challenge. He reflects on the camaraderie and the shared goals that motivate him, saying, “I’ve really missed it.”

This new challenge illustrates how collaboration and solidarity can make a positive impact on the lives of those dealing with life-altering conditions like EB. With community support and awareness, athletes and organizations alike are continuing to rally together for such significant causes.