BBC Breakfast interview with Graeme Souness, Isla and Andy Grist, on swimming the channel for DEBRA

Football legend, and TV pundit, Graeme Souness, is playing his part to stop the pain of EB this summer by swimming the English Channel!
Graeme, who has faced many a foe during his sporting career, will be taking on the formidable 21-mile stretch of water that lies between Dover and Calais. Although Graeme won’t be on his own (he’ll be part of a 6-person team), he’ll still need all his physical and mental strength and the support of as many people back home as possible to get him to the shores of France, in a swim that could take up to 16 hours!
The motivation for Graeme to do the swim and play his part is personal. Graeme’s good friend is Isla Grist, 14, who is living with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, Graeme explains more:
“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. I wanted to do something that could make a difference to Isla’s life and to the lives of so many others living with EB and the slightly crazy idea of swimming the English Channel was suggested!
Now I’m not one to walk away from a challenge but this is all new to me; despite living by the sea for the past 16 years, I’ve never been in it, and Isla is the only reason I did. Alongside Isla’s dad, Andy, and the rest of the team, I am determined to complete the Channel crossing, to raise awareness of EB, and to raise the funds that DEBRA so desperately needs. Please support me, every pound raised gets us one step closer to a world where no one suffers with the pain of EB”.
Please donate today and help us #StopThePain of EB: donate.giveasy...

[@danielgreen7370]

I won £761 on the football this weekend ( liverpool getting a late equaliser did it, lol) and its going to this worthy cause. My 2 young boys agree with me. Well done lads. #inspiration

[@adam_p99]

Reading this 8 months on. Good on you man!! That’s freaking awesome

[@johnadams20132013]

As A Celtic and as a Man Utd fan from Ireland my opinion on Souness has changed fair play to him doing this challenge on raising this awareness on this horrific disease poor girl.

[@lynby6231]

Yeah not a bad achievement for someone who’s had a four way bypass 😮

[@robertallan2769]

Mr Souness....you've always been one of my heroes, but wow. Your heart is bigger than I ever imagined. God bless you ❤

[@shitcasecinema]

I've watched this and it really hit me hard; I had never heard of this horrible illness. I have sent this video to several people, and my brother messaged me back after watching it saying he had donated to the cause. Your work is paying off, Graeme. You'll Never Walk Alone.

[@johnnyd1611]

This made me cry and realise my own difficulties are not so difficult. What an amazing and wonderful young girl. Massive respect to the father and Souness. Souness was already a legend but even more so now.

[@onegnation-mr4rs]

Football talk is football talk. It’s a game of opinion. But here is where it counts. Fair play to Souness, you can tell he genuinely cares here. Goes to show the football-related matters we all get frustrated and argue about are very insignificant when compared to a day in this girl's life!

[@crs2385]

What a brave little trooper she is. Heart goes out to her! Full respect to Graham Souness also. 💙 WATP

[@nocode1603]

As a celt I can't praise him enough a genuine gentleman he did this to help this poor poor wee girl if it doesn't pull at your Hart I don't know what will!!! My hat off to you!! As for the wee girl I'm Hart broken for you and your family your such a strong brave wee fighter God love you wee pal!!!👏👏👏👏👏🤗🤗

[@Gazza72]

All the best to Isla and her family and all the other sufferers of this horrible disease Mr Souness I always held you in high esteem but you've just blown me away again with how good a human you are God bless you all👍

[@ArmyofLove]

Graham is a lovely man. In the last few years I've seen such a genuine pundit that cares deeply about things.

[@user-qr1dh9qy7k]

She is so AMAZING and big up her Dad and THE LEGEND Souness ,well done guys

[@barryosullivan1486]

Brilliant cause Greame. Horrendous disease but Isla's courage and attitude is humbling and remarkable.

[@stevieframe]

Finally Souness has met someone as tough as him. Go Isla.

[@colingeddes2172]

All the best to isla and Graeme souness is a gentleman and a real mans man . Kudos to him.

[@holyfieldism]

Top man graham and what a lovely girl Isla is ❤

[@neilscousejones75]

As a big Liverpool fan I watched this man through the 80's what a tremendous player he was for the Club. Seeing this video shows what a Legend he is as a person. My Expectations of him now has even more gone of the scale as a man and a person, Absolutely fantastic Greame seeing you want to make a difference and help these kids with a terrible disease. Very moving footage. YNWA

[@romystumpy1197]

Yes I remember him,and dalgleish and crew,he's a good man and looking great

[@Remnants100]

Genuinely moving to hear such a strong Man (who has been through a lot himself) being so passionate in his determination to help these young children, indeed anyone having to endure such a dreadful disease. I don't know the young girl as Graeme does, but his own reaction to just being in her presence speaks volumes. Bless her heart and Graeme's too for highlighting what is literally an unbearable burden for all concerned.

[@neilanderson6280]

What a fantastic man...and what a wonderful young girl

[@ayeehdilly]

I had never heard of this until I heard Graeme speaking of it, using his profile for good. Amazing work guys on raising awareness and good luck on your challenge.

[@eddt430]

I'm lost for words. That poor little girl. I've never heard of this illness. Share with everyone you can people, let's all donate what we can. Be it little or small. Graham really is a passionate man. I hope all goes well. ❤

[@alanmayes851]

What an amazingly brave young lady, she, her family and Souness are an inspiration to us all.

[@JP-rv6hg]

How inspirational! Thank you Isla, her family and Graeme for raising the awareness. I will donate now. 🙏

[@paulfitzpatrick6536]

Brilliant he was a dirty b##№##d but he played for us. Take care

[@soundbeings1]

What an amazing soul that young girl is: bravery in its purest form. Good luck to all involved. Love from NS Canada. YNW(S)A xxx

[@robertthomson4978]

Souness is a real man. Not like the clowns that play football today.

[@stormytempest6521]

Robert I'm a Blue from His era, abit naughty alright!😉 but yes a real man and player, regards.

[@robertthomson4978]

@@stormytempest6521 he was no angel on the field but I remember watching him for liverpool and he was some player. Funnily, he looks more and more like my late father all the time and he was born in Edinburgh as well.

[@davidbowey1784]

It broke my heart watching this she is a very special young lady who's such a inspiration. What a great cause I hope they raise so much money to help people like isla Well done GS for doing this

[@jimmorrison3756]

Max Respect to Souey he is a legend 👏👏👏👍

[@traceygrant1964]

Brilliant we need more Graeme Souness in this world ❤

[@JimmyGrant74]

God bless Souness. Once a Ranger always a Ranger

[@danielodonnell-bm9jm]

This has broken my heart. Isla you are very brave beautiful young lady. I have now just found my next charity to run for. Graeme you are a legend and mass respect to you and also to Islas` family. Good luck xxxxxx

[@DocYAYAYA]

hopefully they find a way to get her to the best possible life she can have... I couldnt imagine having to deal with the pain she must be in everyday

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Always a decent guy..with Liverpool and Scotland. A hard man on the pitch but clearly a softie off it..I have seen Souey do a lot for charity over the yrs because aa he says he has a profile. It just shows you how much he wants to help this young lady and others with this disease..Good luck to them all..I hope the sea is calm when you do it and not too hot either..🇬🇧🙏✝️👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏

[@markheitz7963]

Well done to all

[@deannelson1388]

God bless brave little Isla and her family, as for hard man Souness? well he has just gone up ten fold in my estimation. Brilliant all round I wish this little girl all the very best that life can bring.

[@leeroy265]

God bless?? You are joking right.

[@deannelson1388]

@@leeroy265 Go away troll

[@dannydoogue59]

Well done Graeme Souness,Football,Celtic and Rangers is a way of life,but this is a step above,I can't say enough about this great man,Your an inspiration to us all.

[@CarlBovis]

Isla is inspirational, her dad is so impressive and Graeme is a legend for doing this and raising awareness. I have a 7 year old relative with EB, and it's a horrific disease. 😢

[@juliapark5133]

There are cases in the USA who have been treated with a pioneering drug which has been very successful in treating EB. It inhibits the reaction of the body to have to reaction that EB sufferers go through with the blistering effects. I saw it in KZbin. If I can find the video I will send the link. My heart goes out to Isla, what an amazing young lady 💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@daviddonnkin611]

Total respect for this young lady, so brave, i hope theres a light at the end of her tunnel, fair play to Graeme, well done mate.

[@invernessfan3017]

Well done to Graeme Souness. Well done.

[@dalewilson9511]

god bless you isla graeme what a gent its a cruel world hope this kid gets the help she deserves

[@johnevans8036]

What a lovely lady she is, well done G👍👍

[@deannelson1388]

She really is, and so well spoken too. delightful little lady.. I wish her and her family all the best.

[@martinjameslewis5702]

What a brave girl. It puts life into prospective. Graham is a great bloke.

[@wild4fp]

Well done Souness. Tough on the pitch. Well done young lady, keep going, so focused, intelligent.

[@SuperRonnie1970]

I hadn’t heard of this disease until seeing it on This Morning today and omg!!! Absolutely horrific, Isla you are such a strong young lady and I hope and pray one day soon there will be something that will bring you and other sufferers some relief from what I can only imagine is torture.

[@joshgraham681]

Ynwa Graham biggest won it all but this will mean the most to him insanely hard to compete and at his age will be so hard ynwa graham

[@thomascollins4291]

Well done Graham you have brought attention to this young girls illness respect

[@glynburchell6716]

Just love Graham Souness brilliant man

[@philipbrackpool-bk1bm]

If the current Liverpool team donated 10% of their weekly wages each he could stay dry and they would do their reputations a bit of good

[@Kundalini-l9f]

He's doing the swim to raise awareness aswell as funding mate

[@philipbrackpool-bk1bm]

@@Kundalini-l9f it was more a comment on the astronomical wages footballers receive against people having to rely on the goodness of people like souness . Good luck to him I hope he makes it.

[@iMertin90]

What is more special. He seen a girl or boy with same in England and went and found someone in Scotland with it. That’s love for our own. I understand uk or British but he’s a Scot first remember like a English man will say he’s English first

[@Hitmanhart22804]

Aww my days I’m absolutely devastated this happens thank you graham for letting us all know about this that poor girl and all the children so sad

[@AmazingDogShorts]

Good on you mate! Thanks for bringing this horrible condition out of the dark and spreading much needed awareness

[@billygee2456]

You’re a great man Graeme

[@shaunkirby7788]

Hated him as a footballer...but then again as a Man Utd fan, hardly a surprise...but that tough, ruthless, never say die attitude has [I am sure] enabled this man to do something awesome and I can only raise my hat to him. Top effort and just outstanding.

[@robertthomson4978]

Souness is a real man. Not like the clowns that play today. A fraction of their salaries would make the target in minutes. They're multi millionaires these guys.

[@stephenllewekyn706]

I always question news reporters. How can you hear this story look at that little girl watch graham souness break down and not show a single oz of sorrow

[@millny123]

Well done for doing such a wonderful thing.

[@starofdavid9919]

As a Celtic fan I have always admired Graeme Souness especially his stance on sectarianism and having a big input on ending Rangers non Catholic policy, this is just another example of the humility of the man, the ultimate warrior on the pitch and also the most caring of human beings, I really hope medical science can find a cure to end the suffering of that poor wee lassie and her family.

[@allankerr1754]

GO ON GRAHAM .👍...A TRUE BLUE.🇬🇧

[@Jason-md2fn]

Buetifull wee soul

[@russellcoppack4742]

Amongst all the comments and deserved tributes to Graeme(what a man), lets not ignore Isla’s dad. If Carlsberg made Dad’s!

[@papaj9386]

Wow. What a lady

[@CharityDebra]

Isla's an inspiration to us all. Thank you for watching. Any donation can make a difference to people living with EB: bit.ly/43hZ6mx 💙

[@PoorSalopianTommy]

Go on lad.

[@tonyjonesbassoonwhippet2271]

Top bloke! What a wonderful thing to do! 💪🙏💜

[@johngibb9341]

Well done graham you’re amazing man as well as a true blue 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ianmac3648]

Like sir David Murray 😂😂😂😂😂

[@crs2385]

@@ianmac3648 You no got something better to say under these circumstances? Grow up!

[@neilnewby1558]

So moved watching this. Good luck

[@mmcc8022]

Superb Graeme /

[@Jason-md2fn]

Well done you

[@timhanser1943]

Class act , superb .

[@craigsinnott296]

Wow respect all round 🥰😭

[@travelingcatman2089]

When she said 11 that done it for me😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@kevincastellari]

Wow amazing people. Makes you wonder what is important in life. Y.N.W.A.

[@timkeane1409]

What a bloke

[@corkion]

good on u graeme ynwa

[@charlieboylol527]

Isla. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pamelacook2333]

Special man but a very special girl

[@eadieentertainment9330]

Is there somewhere you can donate some money… haven’t seen anything telling how to. Just giving etc.

[@shitcasecinema]

there's a link in the video description :)

[@jamesgraham8477]

Good luck

[@drkmtter7860]

So sad but there is always hope I'm pretty much sure cbd would help her get of those toxic drugs that will be causing more harm than good. I wish u well in your journey

[@murdoch691]

Got to say one thing here I'm embarrassed to say I complain and moan about the pain I get in my hips not anymore what a beautiful brave kid Isla is,omg you've got to question people who believe in God and who preach the good book because if there is a god what the hell is he doing allowing this special little kid to suffer and also everyone who is close to her

[@ZooScott]

💪🏻…

[@mikemcknight1295]

Well payed footballers; search yer pockets!!!!!

[@michaelkeenan2212]

Nature is cruel,,God speed

[@joeexotic5831]

Stupid onions😢

[@Rebecca236]

I wonder if these children can ever use any eczema type solutions such as Dupixant, Cyclosporin, steroid creams, steroid tablets, etc...?

[@leeroy265]

Further proof (not that wee needed it) that there is no god.

[@crs2385]

Life is a test pal! If life was intended to be perfect then there'd be no point of an afterlife to begin with!

[@leeroy265]

@@crs2385 Utter rubbish.

[@dawhitey75]

Correct…

[@scrimmy45]

@@crs2385 How exactly are you " testing " a child by giving them terminal cancer or many other horrific afflictions - please explain that to me ?

[@robtlsay07]

Not interested at all why did he not do this sooner just attention seeking on someone who is ill to gain attention after sky sacked him very strange why he didn't do it earlier

[@therealisation5500]

Why are you so bitter and sad ?

[@williambrander2714]

If you listened with the half a brain that you have, he has been doing this for months, before Sky sacking him which is now buy the way is a badge of honour. I feel sorrow for you having to go thru life so bitter and twisted, you sound like one of green brigade.

[@sp-fn8eg]

You must be Paul Pogba.

[@robtlsay07]

@@sp-fn8eg he is a clown and a failure opens his mouth and bull comes out hasn't a clue

[@chrisiveson6838]

He came across this 5 years ago. Grow up.

[@SuperJammygit]

The world needs more people like Graeme

[@brianshannon-fy5nk]

She is amazing so inspiring best wishes on your swim greame hope all the premier league clubs donate to the charity