Day 20 - Alex Lewis

On November 17th 2013. Alex Lewis collapsed and was rushed to Winchester ICU.

He was 33 years old with a partner and son of 3 years old. His only symptom leading up to this was the common cold.

Within a few hours of his collapse, his vital organs were being supported mechanically, his blood forced around his body with nora adrenalin.

His chances of survival given by the consultants for the first 3 days was less than 3%. He had contracted Strep A.

For most of us this would be nothing more than a sore throat. For Alex it took a more sinister path to Strep A Toxic Shock Syndrome, Septicaemia and NecrotisingFasciitis.

Resulting in quadruple amputation and requiring extensive skin grafts and facial reconstruction as the infection ravaged his face and mouth as well as his limbs.

Alex has already spent twelve months in hospitals with many more ahead for extensive surgery and ongoing rehabilitation to learn to walk again.

Alex said: 'In a strange way it is the most amazing thing I have ever lived through. I think nothing but good will come from it. I think you cope because you have to. If you don't, chances are you will probably die'

‘To be able to have the chance to walk the dog with my son again in the countryside, something as simple as that, just like I used to. That’s amazing.

‘I think you realise how precious life is. It sounds corny but it's so true.’