Ex-EastEnders star’s ultra-swim throughout Lake Geneva for Brighton college

A former EastEnders actor from Brighton is planning to tackle an epic ultra-swim throughout Lake Geneva to lift cash for his son’s college.

Will Ellis, who performed villain Theo Hawthorne, is planning the 70km (43 miles) swim in August. It has solely been accomplished by 16 individuals to date.

His son Odie has Mowatt-Wilson Syndrome, affecting his improvement, and the swim will elevate cash for his college, Downs View, in Woodingdean, Brighton.

“They’re in desperate need of funds to keep the school running so I thought it was a great opportunity to do something really crazy and raise some money,” Ellis mentioned.

As nicely as being well-known for enjoying Theo within the cleaning soap in 2023, Ellis can be well-known as an ultra-endurance swimmer and has a podcast on open-water swimming.

He has swum the English Channel and round Jersey, which he says he’ll do once more as a part of his coaching for Lake Geneva.

His six-year-old son is non-verbal and docs mentioned he might by no means speak or stroll, though he’s now strolling with the assistance of splints.

Ellis mentioned: “Life expectancy can range because no-one really knows, so we have to be grateful for every day with him, grateful that he’s happy.”

Downs View is hoping to lift £15,000 for a brand new delicate play, as the varsity’s room wants refurbishment and can’t be utilized in its present situation.

Head instructor Vanessa Hickey mentioned: “Lots of our children here have complex needs, a lot of them have autism, communication issues, and a learning disability as well.

“What’s vital are the abilities the delicate play develops, like dexterity and motor abilities, in addition to it being an outlet for power, notably on moist days.”

Ellis says he expects to be in the water for between 24 and 30 hours, without a wetsuit, and despite a busy training schedule, there are no guarantees he will complete the challenge.

“You have to only flip up for these swims, controlling what you management, as a result of there’s quite a lot of luck. and it has to shine on you that day.”