‘Inspiring’ Alex is rowing 350 miles for charity

A quadruple amputee arrived in Yarmouth, on Monday, as part of an epic 350-mile row and 320-mile cycle ride charity fund-raiser. 

Alex Lewis, 43, lost all four of his arms and legs, and also his lips, after falling ill in November 2013 with what he thought was ‘man flu’, but contracted Strep A which led to septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis.

He has already embarked on charity trips across the world, to Greenland and Africa, but this is his first event in Britain.
Alex, was joined by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, at Hurst Castle, for his row into the town’s harbour, where he was welcomed by Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, and her husband, Jamie.

Alex said: “I’m hoping to complete the 350-miles rowing from Falmouth to Dover in 14 days, finishing on June 17, and, the following day, I will be cycling from Canterbury to Cornwall, which is 649 miles.

“So far, so good. I hadn’t done any offshore rowing until I started this trip, but it’s turned out OK. It’s been an amazing trip so far. I’m in an adapted sail-boat, and I have a support team following me with 20-30 rowers joining me at various points along the way.”

In 1969, Sir Robin became the first person to single-handedly sail non-stop around the world, and Alex added: “To have Sir Robin rowing with me has been pretty humbling.” For his part, Sir Robin said: “The trip from Hurst Castle was enough to remind me why I don’t like rowing!

“Alex is inspiring, and an example of what you can overcome if you have the right mental approach. He set a very steady pace which allowed me to keep in time with him. He is a fantastic man.”

Alex says he will be raising money for three charities, including the Alex Lewis Float Foundation, to develop the technology for people with disabilities to be able to take up sports such as rowing and cycling. His other charities are Hospitality Action and the Murray Parish Trust.