Former ECSC swimmer faces huge challenge this coming weekend...

One of our former swimmer's, Neil Gilson, is completing his final preparations for a huge challenge this coming weekend. Neil, 33, used to compete for Exeter City Swimming Club when he was younger and is a very close friend of another of our former swimmer's - Liam Tancock.

Neil is taking part in the 24 Hour swim challenge at Loch Lubnaig, Scotland with Vigour Events on Saturday 22nd June to raise awareness and vital funds for a charity called PANS PANDAS UK, which is very close to Neil and his family's heart's. Liam will be there with Neil to support him throughout the challenge. Neil has to swim a mile of the Loch every hour! A really tough challenge, but one that Neil has been preparing well for over the past 12 months, culminating in Neil winning the Dartmoor Open Water swim last weekend! Finishing an impressive 1st in a time of 54mins 41secs in tough conditions.

Neil's son Jack suffered with a a rare condition that affected him quite dramatically and Doctor's initially struggled to be able to diagnose what was wrong with Jack, which understandably caused a huge amount of stress for Neil, his wife and his family and friends. Thankfully Neil discovered PANDAS and having spoken to a Doctor who was able to treat Jack and they are now heading in the right direction to getting Jack back to his normal self.

( Full details of Jack's condition and the charity PANDAS can be found on Neil's Facebook page @24hour.swim4PANDAS/ )

We are really proud to be able to promote what Neil is doing and will be supporting him from in Exeter and wishing him every success for this extremely tough challenge for a very worthy cause!

If you can donate, no matter how small an amount, we know that Neil would be so grateful. You can donate by clicking on the photo of Neil and Jack below.