When Alex Lewis came down with what seemed like a common cold, he never in a million years would have believed it would lead to him losing his arms, his legs and part of his face.
Alex was an able bodied 6ft guy before the infection (Screengrab/Channel 4)
As his flu-like symptoms got worse and his body started turning purple, he was rushed to hospital to be told that, somehow, he had contracted Strep A – an extremely rare bacterial infection that causes toxic shock syndrome, where the body begins to attack itself from the inside out.
Watching this #AlexLewis documentary on C4. Had to read up on TSS on NHS website. Shocking what that can do to a body.
— ✨Jemma✨ (@unpopularsoul) April 28, 2016
The documentary followed Alex around as he continued to adjust to his new daily life since he fell ill almost two years ago.
The disease claimed his arms, legs and lips (Screengrab/Channel 4)
Viewers found the scenes very emotional, especially the ones involving his young son Sam.
Hard watch, this #AlexLewis
— Liddell (@ConorLiddell) April 28, 2016
@Channel4 Only 5 mins in and I'm already bawling 😵 #AlexLewis
— Lou (@lou_hazell) April 28, 2016
Heartbreaking as a dad to appear alien to your child so they won't get close to you #AlexLewis
— 100MileMan (@AYEARFORHOPE) April 28, 2016
A son not wanting to kiss their own father… Truly heartbreaking. Genuinely cried at the end when he actually did 😭 #AlexLewis
— charlotte sewell (@charlie_sewell) April 28, 2016
They thought Alex – who needs constant care and assistance – was a true inspiration for accepting his situation as best as he can and not letting it get in the way of being a doting dad.
#AlexLewis is a true #inspiration to us all. What a role model he is . An amazing family , amazing story #GoAlex #ThursdayThoughts #hope
— Jennifer Evans (@todaysfeminist) April 28, 2016
What an inspirational story of a man with such strength and courage.. Just incredible. #AlexLewis
— Laura Butler (@laurajayne90_x) April 28, 2016
Sam is going to be soooo proud of his dad when he is older. He is an inspiration to anyone!#AlexLewis
— ☀️Paul McCarthy☀️ (@paul_mccarthy7) April 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/o_gavin/status/725789223031324672
And they were truly in awe of his partner Lucy who said she has never even considered walking away from Alex because her love for him is just too strong.
She's still with him because it's true love. He's the same person. #AlexLewis
— Courtenay Kusitor (@CourtenayJayne) April 28, 2016
His wife has shown the true meaning of what is to love someone "in sickness and in health" she is so strong #AlexLewis
— Oroma sampson (@Romzzyj) April 28, 2016
This man on channel 4 is amazing, his wife possibly even more so, sad sad story #AlexLewis
— Matt Davies (@TohottoTrott) April 28, 2016
A true inspiration #AlexLewis! In awe of Lucy, i hope I could be as strong as her if my husband was to go through such a life changing event
— Laura Pearce (@Duchess8622) April 28, 2016
The show put things into perspective for viewers as to how fragile and unpredictable life really is.
Watching the Alex Lewis story and thinking I really have nothing to complain about in life, Very brave and inspirational man #AlexLewis
— Michael (@Prince_Miichael) April 28, 2016
Life is so precious…imagine this happening to someone you know 😢 #AlexLewis
— Danielle Cross (@danilamo) April 28, 2016
#AlexLewis Makes you think that we should enjoy every day. Remarkable family. Inspirational #channel4
— Nick Bennett (@NickBennett58) April 28, 2016
#AlexLewis just shows how life is so precious he is such an inspiration
— Becky (@_beckymariee) April 28, 2016
The show finished with a beautiful shot of the family riding together in the countryside as they discussed how they hope to raise the £3million they estimate they will need to take care of Alex for the rest of his life.
The inspirational family moved many viewers to tears (Screengrab/Channel 4)
Well, the family might be about to feel the full extent of the internet’s power to do good as donations flood in for the Alex Lewis Trust, with some funding pages down supposedly due to high traffic.
What an incredible human being and a such beautiful family 💕#AlexLewis. So pleased to be able to donate @AlexLewis_Trust
— Emma Sandford (@ecm_emz) April 28, 2016
Hoping #AlexLewis website is down because of how many people are trying to donate. What a phenomenal hour of TV. pic.twitter.com/gwkHIz9NQD
— Charlotte Grant (@charlottegrant) April 28, 2016
@shinybluedress @AlexLewis_Trust thanks for sharing but your page is down – overwhelmed by traffic! Hope you can get it back up soon!
— leanne griffin (@myhotelyear) April 28, 2016
Help me raise £1000 to Alex Lewis. Please #donate on @justgiving and RT. Thanks! https://t.co/HtmBWbce94 #alexlewis .
— Danny smith… (@doglab) April 28, 2016
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