Neil Gilson, a world champion swimmer, finds motivation in his 10-year-old son, Jack, as he embarks on a remarkable journey to swim the 10 largest lakes in Switzerland. Known as ‘The Legend of the Lakes,’ Neil recently set a new world record by completing a 61km swim of Lake Maggiore in 17 hours and 14 minutes.

Neil, a father of three and co-owner of the Sandy Cove hotel in North Devon, recalls the challenging times when Jack, at 18 months old, exhibited sudden behavioral changes, including severe anxiety, tics, and self-harming tendencies. Despite initial misdiagnoses, a viral video led the family to discover that Jack was suffering from PANDAS, a condition triggered by streptococcus bacteria, causing neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Following a long course of treatment and tonsil removal, Jack showed significant improvement. Inspired by his son’s journey, Neil has taken on a series of charity swims to raise awareness and support for PANS PANDAS UK, an organization aiding families affected by similar conditions.

Neil’s grueling swimming challenge, recognized by Guinness World Records, involves swimming the Swiss lakes non-stop without external assistance. His dedication to the cause stems from his personal experience with Jack’s health struggles and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

With each stroke, Neil draws strength from thoughts of Jack, referring to his son as his ‘why’ and ‘superpower.’ As he continues his mission to spread awareness and support others facing similar challenges, Neil emphasizes the importance of safety and preparation in open water swimming, highlighting the unpredictability of conditions and the need for caution.

In his upcoming swims across various Swiss lakes, Neil remains committed to his cause, aiming to complete his epic challenge with a final swim of Lake Geneva alongside Jack. Through his perseverance and advocacy, Neil hopes to make a positive impact and inspire others to prioritize safety and awareness in their aquatic pursuits.