Man breaks Lake Geneva record during charity swim

Neil Gilson completed the swim in 22 hours and nine minutes

A man, taking part in a charity swim, has broken a 38-year-old world record for swimming the fastest across Lake Geneva.

Neil Gilson, from North Devon, swam 45 miles (72km) across the lake on 17 July in 22 hours and nine minutes.

He broke the previous record of 22 hours and 42 minutes set in 1986 by Alain Charmey, a former Swiss Olympian.

Mr Gilson, who was raising money for Pans Pandas UK, said he wanted to raise money for the charity after his son was diagnosed with Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

'Raising awareness'

PANDAS is a rare condition that affects young people when common infections trigger a misdirected immune response and brain inflammation.

Mr Gilson said his son was diagnosed with it at the age of two and developed a tic and struggled to leave the house.

He said his son was doing well in school and was really happy and healthy.

Mr Gilson added: "I want to try and help other families by raising awareness of this treatable condition."

He added he was initially unsure of how to help and knew he was good at swimming so looked at ways he could use his skills to raise awareness.

Mr Gilson attempted the challenge in 2023 and made it to 35 miles (56km) before he suffered hypothermia and had to be pulled from the water.

He said: "I got quite close to the end and I knew I still had more in me. It wasn't my body that stopped me, it was the cold, so I had to go back and try it again this year."

'Flashbacks'

He added that this year's attempt was just as tough mentally as it was physically.

"I think it was because of the year before, I was sort of having flashbacks to that moment."

He said he went into the challenge with an eating plan and his support boat had food and drink supplies.

He said he found he was craving sweet things, especially doughnuts, and "I think I got through about five by the end of the swim".

He completed the swim at 17:34 on 17 July and has so far raised £3,300.

Overall, he said he raised more than £20,000 for the charity through this swim and previous swims he completed.

Mr Gilson said: "I'm just relieved and proud that I've done it."

Pans Pandas UK said "the charity is truly overwhelmed with gratitude for Neil's motivation and strength in continually pushing himself further to raise awareness".