The extraordinary case of Alex Lewis.

This documentary follows the lives of Alex Lewis and his partner Lucy Townsend during the years 2014-15, after Alex contracted a severe strain of Streptococcal Strand A (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which led to both his arms and legs being amputated. Photographic images documenting his injuries, and home footage from before his illness are used throughout the programme. To begin, Lucy recounts noticing Alex’s symptoms worsening, after thinking he had contracted a common cold. Audio footage is played of the call to emergency services Lucy made, once she realised her partner’s symptoms were severe. Alex’s mother recalls giving permission for doctors to amputate his limbs. Alex then recounts waking up for the first time whilst being supported by a ventilation system. He talks about his three-year-old son’s ability to interpret what has happened to his father. Alex recovers after a 13 hour operation to reconfigure his mouth and lips. He is then shown performing everyday tasks with the aid of a professional carer. He talks about how hard it is for Lucy to continue with everyday life whilst he remains in his current condition. Lucy then talks about her feelings for Alex. Alex is shown beginning a 10-week rehabilitation course. He is fit with basic prosthetic arms and legs, and attempts tasks such as using cutlery and walking. Lucy and a friend discuss whether Alex’s character has altered since contracting his illness. Alex and Lucy talk about their quality of life prior to his illness, including Alex’s alcohol abuse. He is shown after another stint in surgery to widen his mouth. He is later shown learning to walk on advanced prosthetic legs. He and Lucy discuss the inevitable financial pitfalls they face whilst relying on the NHS. Lucy announces that she and Alex will be getting married. Alex talks to a private trust organiser about raising funds for prosthetic equipment that is out of reach from the budget of the NHS. He is shown going paragliding, after which Alex and Lucy are shown celebrating their engagement with close friends. Skipping forward to 2016, Alex concludes on his experiences of the last two years.