August 31, 2026 - 238 views
Former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers manager Graeme Souness is preparing for one of his toughest fundraising challenges yet – climbing the highest peaks in Wales, Scotland and England to raise at least £500,000 for people living with rare skin conditions.
The 73-year-old Scot will take on Yr Wyddfa, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike over three days, with the challenge also including three high-altitude swims close to each mountain.
The money raised will go to DEBRA UK, which supports people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) – a group of rare genetic conditions sometimes known as “butterfly skin”.
EB can cause the skin to blister and tear from even the slightest touch, leaving people facing severe pain, itching and inflammation.
Souness has previously raised millions of pounds for DEBRA through a series of gruelling fundraising challenges, including several swims across the English Channel.
His latest challenge forms part of DEBRA UK’s £20 million Stop the Pain appeal, which aims to improve care for people living with EB while funding research into treatments that could help wounds heal faster and reduce the pain associated with the condition.
The charity says the need for research remains urgent, particularly into some of the most devastating symptoms of EB, including pain, itch and inflammation.
DEBRA members have also highlighted the daily reality of living with the condition, with ambassador Lucy Beal describing skin that can blister and wound from the slightest touch, alongside relentless pain and unbearable itching.
Souness's latest challenge is expected to put his own physical endurance to the test, but the former football manager says the focus will be on raising awareness and funds for people living with a condition which can have a profound impact on their everyday lives.
