Ex-EastEnders Star’s Ultra-Swim Of Length Of Lake Geneva

A former EastEnders actor from Brighton is planning to take on an epic ultra-swim of the length of Lake Geneva to raise money for his son’s school.

Will Ellis, who played villain Theo Hawthorne, is planning the 70km (43 miles) swim in August. It has only been completed by 16 people so far.

His son Odie has Mowatt-Wilson Syndrome, affecting his development, and the swim will raise money for his school, 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 said.

As well as being famous for playing Theo in the soap in 2023, Ellis is also well-known as an ultra-endurance swimmer and has a podcast on open-water swimming.

He has swum the English Channel and around Jersey, which he says he will do again as part of his training for Lake Geneva.

His six-year-old son is non-verbal and doctors said he may never talk or walk, although he is now walking with the help of splints.

Ellis said: “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 raise £15,000 for a new soft play, as the school’s room needs refurbishment and cannot be used in its current condition.

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

“What’s important are the skills the soft play develops, like dexterity and motor skills, as well as it being an outlet for energy, particularly on wet 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 just turn up for these swims, controlling what you control, because there is a lot of luck. and it has to shine on you that day.”