MDL Marinas backs quadruple amputee Alex Lewis on pioneering South of England sea crossing

Alex Lewis is hoping to become the first ever quadruple amputee to complete the Pig 2 Pig challenge – rowing offshore across the South of England from Falmouth to Dover, before hand-cycling the return land-based journey back to Falmouth.

Accompanied by a team of skilled rowers, he set off on 2 June and is due to stop at various harbours on the 350-mile ‘wet leg’, including three sites operated by Southampton-based MDL Marinas.

Alex is visiting Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth, Torquay Marina, and Sparkes Marina on Hayling Island in Portsmouth – where he’s now arrived.

At each of the scheduled stopovers, MDL has offered to support Alex and his team with free berthing for Alex’s boat – a specially adapted Flying 15 rowing boat created by Rannoch Adventure in collaboration with Bath University, together with two support vessels.

The operator will also provide free car parking for four accompanying vehicles which will serve as accommodation for the support crew and rowers throughout the challenge.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting Alex as he attempts to become the world’s first quadruple amputee to row across the South of England,” said Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL.

“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.”

Following completion of his offshore-based journey to Dover, Alex will then spend 16 days hand cycling 649 miles back across the South of England towards Falmouth.

He’ll be stopping at various schools and businesses, engaging with communities and raising much needed funds for Hospitality Action, The Murray Parish Trust and The Alex Lewis FLOAT Foundation.

Sparkes Marina, Hayling Island. Image: MDL

Alex contracted Strep A back in 2013, suffering complications which led to septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis – eventually losing all four limbs and part of his face.

After undergoing intensive treatment, he was told he’d need £4 million worth of assisted technology (AT) to support him daily to lead an independent life.

After a chance meeting with an Imperial College PhD biomechatronics student who was looking for amputee subjects to take part in trials of his new technology, Alex has gone on to work with universities up and down the UK on a variety of AT-led projects.

Alex has since dedicated his life to advocating for better AT, setting up the FLOAT Foundation (For the Love of Assistive Technology) as a vehicle to drive change in and around the development of medtech and assistive technology.

“The importance of education, sustainable programmes and affordability is key to helping the end user”, said Alex.

“Whether it’s wheelchairs, prosthetics or a walking frame for your grandmother, inspiring the next generation to see what’s possible when collaboration and great people work together to make a difference – that’s where I fit.

“The Pig 2 Pig is primarily my way of supporting three amazing charities but also an attempt to achieve a world first.

“No quadruple amputee has ever rowed across the South of England, because the equipment and boat has never been designed – or redesigned!

“With the help of Bath University and Rannoch Adventure this is now possible.

“Plus, it’s 30 days of camping, fireside stories and a lot of chafing, bring it on!”

• mdlmarinas.co.uk

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