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“Total Respect”: Internet Erupts in Joy As 70-Year-Old Soccer Legend Completes Marathon Swim for a Noble Cause

Published 06/18/2023, 4:13 PM EDT

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70-year-old football legend Graeme James Souness stunned the world a few months back with his bold announcement. The retired Sky Sports pundit left his anchor role in the channel and pledged to swim the English Channel for a noble cause. Souness was inspired by a 14-year-old girl who suffered from an incurable disease. The former footballer decided to help the young girl and several others just like her, and took o the challenge to swim the 21-mile-long English Channel.

On June 18, BBC Breakfast’s official Twitter page shared the wonderful news of Graeme Souness completing his swimming challenge at 70. Learning about his dedication and intention behind his expedition, the internet bowed down to the legend.

How long did it take Graeme Souness to swim the English Channel?

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Yesterday, Souness swam the English Channel within 12 hours and 17 minutes. The 70-year-old took such a pledge to raise £1m for a charitable organization, DEBRA.

In 2019, the football legend met Isla Grist from the Scottish Highlands. The 14-year-old suffered from a horrific skin disease called, Epidermolysis bullosa. In such a condition, the patient develops blisters all over their body. On learning about Isla’s helpless situation, Souness decided to raise funds to fight for her cause. He collaborated with Debra charity, which supports Isla and about 5,000 people in the UK. The organization is committed to research that could help in improving the lives of children who are suffering from the genetic condition.

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Therefore, yesterday Souness took up the challenge only to complete it. He was accompanied by five other men, which also included Isla’s father. Moreover, when the wholesome news reached the internet, netizens congratulated the man for his courageous victory.

The Internet congratulates Graeme Souness for his endeavor

Fans were elated to hear about the massive achievement of Graeme Souness and his team. Many took to the Twitter comment section to congratulate him,

Considering the age at which Souness accomplished such an endeavor people were left in awe,

Many users were sold upon learning about Souness and Isla’s friendship. They appreciated how the little one could impact the man so intensely,

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Another fan of Souness believed that the retired player’s gesture was commendable in supporting such a noble cause,

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Indeed, it’s great how the 70-year-old took the initiative to help the lives of children like Isla.

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Written by:

Muskan Sharma

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Muskan Sharma is a sports writer at EssentiallySports, specializing in Martial Arts, NHL, and other American sports. She is a degree holder in Journalism and Mass Communications. Muskan has been able to bring her unique set of skills and sensitivity while covering news stories.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh