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On November 17th, my boss' partner and friend Alex Lewis collapsed and was rushed to Winchester ICU. He is 33 years old with a partner and son of 3 years old. His only symptom leading up to this was a cold. Within a few hours of his collapse, his vital organs were being supported mechanically, his blood forced around his body with nora adrenalin and his chances of survival; given by the consultants for the first 3 days was less than 5%. 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, a very rare and devastating infection.
After 7 days in ICU he beat the odds and was removed from all but the dialysis machine. This is where his first of many mental and physical marathons he would undergo on his road to recovery began. The next devastating news to Alex and his family was that the illness had left lasting damage. In the following weeks he became a triple amputee, losing his left arm above the elbow and both legs above the knees. His remaining arm is of use at the shoulder and elbow, but his right hand may never regain movement. He is undergoing skin graphs and facial reconstruction and his hospital stay continues and will do so for many months to come.
Alex now starts his long rehabilitation to learn to walk and use his limbs, something that we all take for granted.
Alex is a much loved and respected young man, with a family who needs him at home. He ran a business with his partner which provided accommodation that is no longer appropriate. His family are now looking for a new residence that will allow Alex to come home and feel at ease. Alex needs the best support we can provide him, aiding this road to re-establishing his independence and life within the Hampshire community that he lived in before the illness struck. Not only for himself, but also his family.
My colleagues and I are raising money to ensure we can provide the best there is for him. Prosthetics are an expensive treatment, requiring regular maintenance and replacement every 5-7 years much like a car does. Alex also requires a wheelchair that he can utilise easily due to the consequences of his illness. Alterations to accommodation must also be made enabling him to be as self-reliant as possible when at home. No donation is too small. Every little bit will help us reach our goal in providing the best possible care and lifestyle that he deserves
Although Alex has made significant progress since the diagnosis, there is still a long road ahead that he will endure. Regular updates of his progress will be posted and if there are any questions then please get in contact.
In order to raise money for Alex, I will be running the most difficult, Spartan Beast Race in early October. The Spartan Race is considered one of the toughest obstacle courses in the world. 26 kilometres of gruelling obstacles including, fire pits, freezing water pools and a variety of other obstacles. Estimated finishing times range between 3 and 6 hours. I am aiming to complete the course in 3.5 hours and will be training hard from now until then.
A blog of my training and Alex's road to recovery will be posted shortly.
All donations will be greatly appreciated regardless of the size, not only by myself, but also everyone involved in Alex's journey.
Many thanks.
Sam
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