A MAN who is aiming to be the first quadruple amputee to row 350 miles offshore from Falmouth to Dover has been backed by MDL Marinas.
Alex Lewis, from Stockbridge, will also hand-cycle the land-based return journey to Falmouth after his offshore journey.
The initial sea-based challenge, which begins and ends at The Pig in Harlyn Bay, a Cornish retreat, signals Alex's first major UK event. and has been dubbed the Pig 2 Pig.
It started on June 2 and is expected to end on July 2. On June 12, he was aiming to row 30 miles from Hayling to Shoreham.
Speaking on Insta, he said: "We need to press on now and get it done. A huge thanks to MDL for putting us up last night."
The scheduled route includes pauses at MDL's well-known marinas such as Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth, Torquay Marina in Devon, and Sparkes Marina in Hayling Island.
MDL is supporting Alex at these stopovers by giving free berthing for his adapted Flying 15 rowing boat, provided by Rannoch Adventure in collaboration with Bath University, and two support ships.
MDL is also offering free car parking for four vehicles, and providing lodging for the support crew and rowers.
Alex's journey will follow with a land-based hand-cycling trip across the South of England back to Falmouth.
It includes visiting various schools and businesses, community engagement, and crucially fundraising for charities - Hospitality Action, The Murray Parish Trust, and The Alex Lewis FLOAT Foundation.
Alex before he set off (Image: Newsquest / Lorelei Reddin)
Alex contracted Strep A in 2013, leading to septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis, culminating in the loss of his limbs and part of his face.
He then required intensive treatment and was projected to need £4m worth of Assisted Technology (AT) to aid his independent living.
Alex found opportunity in adversity when he met a PhD student from Imperial College researching Biomechatronics who required amputees as subjects for trials of new technology.
Alex now collaborates with multiple universities for AT-related projects.
Alex, a 44-year-old married father of one, advocates for superior AT via his FLOAT Foundation (For the Love of Assistive Technology), contributing towards the development of Med Tech and Assistive Technology.
Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and marketing director, said: "We are thrilled to be supporting Alex as he attempts to become the world’s first quadruple amputee to row across the South of England.
"Alex has overcome extraordinary obstacles to achieve what he has – a real testament to his remarkable courage and fortitude against all odds. We wish him and the team the very best of luck on this latest challenge and look forward to welcoming them to our marinas."
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