Graeme Souness swim: Teenager says increased awareness around EB is 'a really good thing'

A Highland teenager says increased awareness around a rare skin condition is a "really good thing" as a football legend prepares to embark on a huge swimming challenge.

14-year-old Isla Grist has the excruciating skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), otherwise known as 'Butterfly Skin.'

In an attempt to increase publicity around it and raise funding for treatment, former Scotland international Graeme Souness is swimming the English Channel.

As part of a team which includes Isla's Dad Andy, Souness will be heading into the waters this weekend.

Speaking to us last month, Souness said it's a "humbling experience" to be around the Black Isle teenager and was keen to get the challenge underway.

Over the last four weeks, thousands have donated towards the cause with the fundraiser closing in on the £1.1 million target.

"It isn't a very pleasant condition at all" - Isla Grist

EB, which can be fatal, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin making it extremely fragile and delicate.

Even minor friction or trauma can cause the skin to blister and tear, leaving sufferers in excruciating pain, and with unbearable itch.

There is currently no cure for EB and according to the DEBRA charity, around 5,000 people in the UK currently live with the condition.

Isla explained why she is happy with the attention EB has received over the last few weeks.

She said: "It's a really good thing more people know about it.

"It isn't a very pleasant condition at all.

"There are a lot of people in the UK and the world that have this condition, but don't have a way to voice it."

Despite a little bit of uncertainty, Isla is confident Graeme, Andy and the rest of the team will conquer the swim

She added: "I have mixed feelings, but overall I think the team will do great.

"Graeme and Dad have improved a lot through their nine months of training, obviously that included the harsh winter."

Andy thanked those who have supported his family since moving to the North of Scotland.

He said "A lot of people in the Moray Firth area, have been with us as family on this whole journey.

"Shortly after Isla was born, I was moved to RAF Kinloss to be in this area and to this day I've still got people who were there right at the beginning who have been contacting me in recent days.

"People in the Falkland Islands who are doing swims out there to raise funds.

"There are people who are still committed to the cause after nearly 15 years, which is incredible.

"Let's keep fighting EB!"

You can find out more about EB through the DEBRA website here.