A quadruple amputee was joined by Essex rowers as he completed a huge rowing challenge along the coast of the UK. 

Alex Lewis, 44, nearly lost his life in 2013, when he was rushed to hospital after suffering strep a toxic shock and septicaemia. 

After he underwent lifesaving surgery, he unfortunately lost both his arms and legs. 

But this has not stopped him from attempting to take on an incredible challenge to raise money and make assistive technology affordable and accessible to all individuals. 

Hero - Alex Lewis attempted to row from Cornwall to DoverHero - Alex Lewis attempted to row from Cornwall to Dover (Image: Lauren Hughes)

Alex started the Pig to Pig row on June 2 to row from Cornwall to Dover in two weeks before cycling back before July 2. 

On June 13, rowers from Burnham, where he had been training, and Lower Thames rowed 20 nautical miles alongside Alex to help him complete the mammoth trial. 

Lauren Hughes, of the Marconi and Lower Thames Rowing Club in Steeple, and Sherif Harding, of the Burnham on Crouch Coastal Rowing Club, joined him between Brighton and Eastbourne, passing Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters en route. 

Rower Lauren Hughes said: “The conditions were brutal and us rowers were dowsed a few times by big waves and the sea sickness was trying its best to make an appearance. 

“The South Coast of England is one of the most torturous seas to row in the world, in gusts of up to 30knots against wind and tide it was tough going.  

Success - The rowers and helpers after the successful leg of the tourSuccess - The rowers and helpers after the successful leg of the tour (Image: Lauren Hughes)

“A huge well done and thanks to Rosemary, Geoff and Chris - as well as many, many others who acted as the best support crew both on land and sea you could ever have hoped for.

“Rannoch boat builders have also been supporting the row since it kicked off at the beginning of the month, as well as building an adaptive boat for Alex to row in.” 

The Pig to Pig challenge was set for 30 days and included 350 miles of rowing and 649 miles of hand cycling for Alex. 

So far, the FLOAT foundation has raised £12,290 in their aim for empowering people through assistive technology and helping people to thrive and participate in their communities, regardless of their abilities.