Last Friday, current parent and Farleigh alumnus, Alex Lewis, faced an audience of over 485 pupils at Sherborne Girls, a daunting prospect for any visiting speaker! Alex was persuaded to give a talk there by Matilda Murray, a former pupil of both Farleigh and Sherborne Girls, who is currently working at Farleigh as a GA in her gap year.

Both pupils and staff at Sherborne Girls said that Alex’s talk was “simply incredible. His story was truly inspirational and all the girls (and staff) came away feeling positive. Some were even moved to tears.” Matilda adds, “Alex talked about his story and what he has been doing in the years since his illness, including skydiving and hand cycling. My friends, Lily and Isla in the Lower Sixth, both said that it was the best lecture they had been to and everyone that I spoke to on the night was captivated by his story and what Alex has achieved in these past years.” 

If you would like to see Alex in another capacity, as inquisitor to his friends, the actors Sarah Parish and Jim Murray, do join him for ‘Zoom into Christmas’ on Thursday 10th December for an evening of lively conversation and entertainment where he will be chatting and sharing funny stories with them. 

For those who do not know Alex, he contracted what initially seemed to be a simple Strep A infection in 2013, but which rapidly turned into a combination of life-threatening conditions that resulted in quadruple amputation and extensive skin grafts. What for many would be insurmountable obstacles to rehabilitation was for Alex an opportunity to turn his life around and truly appreciate all that he has. With the support of his family (Lucy who runs The Greyhound in Stockbridge and their son, Sam at Farleigh), an incredible team, amazing technology and sheer willpower, Alex is living a full life and achieving extraordinary things. He continues to challenge himself with his work with other charities and causes.

Click here to Zoom Into Christmas with The Alex Lewis Trust & The Murray Parish Trust - without doubt, the best party of the year!