Quadruple amputee adventurer praises Test Valley community support

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:28 · Archive

Alex Lewis, who lost all four limbs to sepsis in 2013, has credited his Test Valley community with helping him rebuild his life.

Alex Lewis from Stockbridge became a quadruple amputee in 2013 after contracting a rare form of streptococcal sepsis. Speaking at the Test Valley Business Awards on Saturday, October 17 at Thruxton Circuit, he paid tribute to the community that supported his recovery and adaptation to life after his illness.

Lewis highlighted the practical help he received when he left hospital. 'When I left hospital and moved back home, I had the support of local businesses, the community, the NHS and healthcare workers,' he said. 'They made sure my son got to school. They made sure my dog was walked. They made sure we had food at our door.'

He also spoke of his best friend Chris, who gave up his job to move in with Lewis, his wife Lucy, and their son Sam. Lewis described Chris as 'my physio, my occupational therapist, my mental health support worker' who effectively filled multiple roles during his recovery.

Since his illness, Lewis has become an internationally recognised adventurer and has worked with universities to develop adaptive technology for disabled explorers. His achievements include kayaking in Greenland and Namibia, crossing the Namib Desert on a modified mobility scooter, and completing a 999-mile journey that included rowing from Falmouth to Dover before hand-cycling back across southern England.

How it is being reported

• Quadruple amputee adventurer thanks Test Valley community for ‘incredible’ supportAn adventurer has spoken of the "incredible" support that helped him rebuild his life after losing all four limbs.Romsey Advertiser · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Quadruple amputee adventurer Alex Lewis thanks Test Valley community for supportAn adventurer has spoken of the "incredible" support that helped him rebuild his life after losing all four limbs.Andover Advertiser · 21 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Alex Lewis · Test Valley · Stockbridge · Greenland · Namibia · Namib Desert · Falmouth · Dover

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