Pig 2 Pig: An Adventure Across Land, Sea And Some More Land!

Quadruple amputee Adventurer, Alex Lewis will embark on a groundbreaking challenge, the “Pig 2 Pig”. Accompanied by a team of skilled rowers, including several gig rowers. Alex aims to become the first quadruple amputee to row offshore across the South of England, starting from Falmouth and ending in Dover. This remarkable journey is set to raise awareness and funds for several important causes, including the FLOAT Foundation, Hospitality Action and The Murray Parish Trust.

On Sunday,2nd June, Alex will begin his expedition from Harlyn Bay by hand cycling to Falmouth Harbour. From there, he will row 350 miles to Dover, showcasing not only his extraordinary resilience but also some innovative advancements in assistive technology. This part of the journey, termed the “wet leg,” will be completed in a specially designed adaptive rowing boat created by Rannoch Adventure in collaboration with Bath University. The boat features a fixed seat for Alex and a sliding seat for his support rowers, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

Following the completion of the rowing segment, Alex will spend 16 days hand cycling 649 miles back across Southern England. Along the way, he will stop at 28 different businesses, schools, universities, and charities, engaging with communities to raise awareness about the FLOAT Foundation. 

Photo credit: Rannoch Adventure

In 2013, Alex was given a 3% chance of survival after contracting septicemia, resulting in the loss of all four limbs and part of his face. In order to lead an independent life, Alex was told that he would need £4,000,000 of assistive technology (AT) to support him on a daily basis. Despite these immense challenges, Alex has dedicated his life to advocating for better AT. Alex set up the FLOAT Foundation (For the Love of Assistive Technology Foundation) with the mission to help create a world where AT is accessible and affordable for all individuals. 

Having worked in the UK, Ethiopia and the Ukraine Alex explained; “The importance of education, sustainable programmes and affordability is key to helping the end user. 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.”

Throughout the “wet leg” section of his challenge, Alex will be supported by an array of experienced rowers, including Neil Wittridge, Simon and Nina Crouchman, Clair Fennessy, Doug Brownridge, Neil Blackeby, Andy Kyte, and Lauren Hughes, who all recently competed in the recent World Pilot Gig Championships. 

Alex said, “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 have 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!”

As Alex rows past various gig clubs, he will stop in Fowey, Plymouth, Salcombe, Teignmouth, Bridport, Weymouth, Swanage, Yarmouth, Hayling Island, Littlehampton, Newhaven, Eastbourne, Rye, and finally Dover. Keep an eye on his social media for updates, and head to a coastline near you to support his arrival and departure. Clubs near these locations are welcome to get involved too.

To learn more about the FLOAT Foundation, support Alex’s mission and read about his previous initiatives, visit his website here.