Neil Gilson, a world champion swimmer, draws inspiration from his 10-year-old son, Jack, as he embarks on a remarkable challenge to swim the 10 largest lakes in Switzerland. Known as ‘The Legend of the Lakes,’ Neil recently achieved a new world record by completing a 61km swim of Lake Maggiore in 17 hours and 14 minutes. Every stroke he takes is fueled by thoughts of his son waiting at the shore to cheer him on.
Neil, a father of three and owner of Sandy Cove hotel in North Devon, recalls the challenging time when Jack, at 18 months, displayed anxiety and unusual behavior. Despite initial misdiagnoses, including autism and Tourette’s, a viral video led them to discover that Jack had PANDAS, triggered by streptococcus bacteria. Treatment, including antibiotics and tonsil removal, improved Jack’s condition significantly.
Motivated by his son’s journey, Neil has dedicated his swimming challenges to raise awareness and funds for PANS PANDAS UK, a charity supporting families affected by similar conditions. His relentless efforts have set multiple world records, with upcoming swims scheduled in various Swiss lakes.
Neil’s approach to these grueling swims involves mental preparation, focusing on his son’s image to push through physical exhaustion. He emphasizes safety measures, acknowledging the risks of open water swimming and the importance of thorough assessment before each swim.
Neil’s dedication to his cause and his son’s resilience serve as a driving force behind his mission to raise awareness and support for PANS PANDAS UK. His ultimate goal is to complete the challenging Lake Geneva swim, with Jack joining him for the final leg, symbolizing their journey together.
