Quadruple amputee Alex Lewis has set off on his biggest challenge to date - a world-first 350 mile row followed by a 650 mile cycle.
The inspirational Hampshire dad, who had all four limbs amputated after contracting Strep A in 2013, has embarked on his latest adventure over land and sea - The Pig 2 Pig.
From The Pig in Harlyn Bay, Alex will hand cycle to Falmouth Harbour where he will board a uniquely adapted flying 15 boat and row 350 miles to Dover where he will hand cycle to the Pig at Bridge Place.
READ MORE: When will Hampshire's outdoor pools and splash parks open in 2024
As if this was not enough, the following morning he will climb back on the hand cycle and travel the 649 miles back to Harlyn Bay, Cornwall.
Along the way Alex, from Stockbridge, is stopping at businesses, schools, universities and charities, to raise awareness of what his FLOAT foundation does to bring hope to those in need of assisted technology.
Having previously kayaked 300km down a South African river, hand cycled through the Simien mountains in Ethiopia and summited its highest mountain, not to mention thrashing a mobility scooter around the Namib desert, non-swimmer Alex is now sat inside his adapted boat, rowing his single oar.
Along the way, he will be assisted by 20 different volunteer rowers and joined by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Olympic gold medal winning rower James Cracknell.
Alex and his crew will spend 30 nights wild camping and hope to raise thousands for three causes close to his heart - Alex's own FLOAT Foundation, which supports the education, development and implementation of assistive technology globally, Hampshire paediatric intensive care charity the Murray Parish Trust and hospitality hardship help fund Hospitality Action.
And it could all be just a warm up for an attempt to row across the Atlantic in 2026.
Alex, a 44-year-old married father of one, said: "My mother summed me up perfectly in our documentary. She said “If you want a life, you need to go out and get it…” I now adopt a policy of taking anything on, whether it appeals or not, as life is too short for regretting what you didn’t try."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel