Graeme Souness was supported as he fought back tears on today's This Morning.
The former Liverpool FC captain appeared on the show to raise awareness about a rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa. The 70-year-old is training to swim the Channel to raise money for the charity, DEBRA, which supports people with the disorder.
The former Sky Sports pundit was motivated to get involved after he met Isla Grist, a 14-year-old who lives with the disorder. Souness was emotional as he spoke about how much of an impact the "cruel and severe" condition has on people who suffer it.
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He said: "If you saw Isla in the flesh, it's like someone has taken a blowtorch to her. Every waking moment must be so painful." Isla and her dad, Andy, appeared in the studio via satelite and Souness made sure to apologise as he said: "I hate talking about it like this because I know she's listening."
Souness was clearly moved as he branded the disease "the cruellest, nastiest thing I've ever witnessed." He explained how the condition has even made him question his own religious belief and held back tears as he said: "I need someone to explain to me why this thing is out there.
"I promised my wife I wouldn't get emotional and I'm not going to. But if this lady was here, I'd be bubbling guaranteed."
Alison Hammond offered words of support as she said: "You've become an atheist now but you are doing God's work. You're raising money and doing all that you can to raise money for this charity."
Souness is taking on the 21 mile swim between Dover and Calais with Isla's dad, Andy. He is aiming to raise £1.1m to enable the charity to clinically test drugs already available within the NHS that could radically improve quality of life for people living with EB.
You can find out more information on how to sponsor the swim here
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