Courtesy: The Brain Charity
A British father is set to swim the 10 largest lakes in Switzerland, including an attempt to break his own world-record, to raise awareness of a devastating childhood neurological condition that changed his son’s life at just two years old.
Neil Gilson, 40, from North Devon, was once ranked second in Britain for the 1500m freestyle. A seasoned open water endurance swimmer, he made headlines after completing a 22-hour, 9-minute, 72km world-record swim across Lac Leman on the 17th of July 2024. Now, he’s taking on an even bigger feat: swimming ten “great Swiss lakes” over the next two years to raise funds and awareness for The Brain Charity and the Pans Pandas UK; the latter of which he has already raised £17,920.75 for through past fundraising efforts.
The challenge is personal. Neil’s son, Jack, now nine, was just two when he suddenly developed obsessive-compulsive behaviours, aggression, and regression following repeated infections. Jack was later diagnosed with PANDAS. PANDAS is a rare disorder, where a misdirected immune response mistakenly attacks the brain following common infections like strep throat or tonsillitis.
“It happened almost overnight,” Neil said. “He went from a happy toddler to someone we couldn’t recognise. We saw countless doctors and got nowhere. I felt helpless.”
After years of misdiagnosis, Neil’s wife, Lucy, discovered a segment on This Morning describing the condition, which led to a breakthrough diagnosis. With treatment, Jack’s symptoms dramatically improved—but his condition remains long-term and complex.
“I want to turn that helplessness into something powerful,” Neil said. “Swimming is what I know, and I want to use it to bring visibility to a condition that’s still so misunderstood.”
PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are autoimmune disorders that can cause the sudden onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in children, including OCD, anxiety, tics, and behavioural changes. Awareness and early diagnosis are key to treatment, but many families, like Neil’s, struggle for years before getting help.
Neil connected with The Brain Charity through the PANS PANDAS community. Neil said:
“They’re supporting people with complex, invisible neurological conditions—that’s exactly what Jack has. This swim is about raising awareness, supporting these charities, and helping other families find answers faster.”
Tui Benjamin Thorp, Head of Communications and Fundraising at The Brain Charity, said: “Neil’s incredible challenge is testament to his love for his son Jack and his experience of the devastating impact neurological conditions can have.
“We are with him not just every step but for every stroke and kick of the way and are so grateful to him for raising much-needed funds for The Brain Charity.”
The Swiss lake challenge will culminate in a second swim across Lake Geneva, potentially breaking Neil’s own world record.
Louise Holgate, Fundraising Lead at PANS PANDAS UK, said:
“We’re so grateful to Neil for choosing to take on this monumental challenge for PANS PANDAS UK and The Brain Charity.
“As a steadfast supporter of our mission, Neil’s remarkable swim across Lake Geneva in under 24 hours last year was more than impressive; it shone as a beacon of hope. It elevated awareness of these conditions among the public and healthcare professionals, igniting those transformative “light bulb” moments for families.
“We can’t wait to follow Neil along this incredible journey!”
Donate to Neil at: https://www.givewheel.com/
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