A NATIONAL retailer has kick-started a campaign to help Stockbridge man Alex Lewis.

The Southern Co-operative has agreed to make the Alex Lewis Trust one of the charities that benefits from their community support scheme this year.

The group which runs a number of stores across the region, as well as a food depot in Andover Business Park, is urging customers to get shopping with its membership cards to show support.

Father-of-one Mr Lewis lost his arms and legs as well as part of his nose and lips when the normally harmless bacterial infection Group A Streptococcus rapidly developed into multiple organ failure, septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome.

The 34-year-old initially had both of his legs and one arm amputated but was readmitted to hospital in July this year for an emergency operation to remove his only remaining limb.

The support from the Co-op will see the trust handed £15,000, which will support Alex’s on-going rehabilitation from the rare flesh-eating bug, while also providing equipment for other long-term patients at Salisbury Hospital.

Claire Walls, of the Co-operative store in Stockbridge, said: “Our customers and colleagues at the store want to help Alex achieve his mission to bring about as many positives as possible from his devastating and life changing illness and provide funding for equipment to promote recovery for others.

“This scheme doesn’t cost our customer members a penny to support. The more they shop at our store the quicker the Southern Co-operative donates to the total, it’s that simple.”

Rosemary Court, manager of the Alex Lewis Trust, said: “To have the Southern Co-operative support the trust in this endeavour is invaluable.

“Their selection of the trust highlights and echoes the response of the local community, who have taken Alex’s story to heart and has come together to support him and his family through his sudden shocking and devastating illness.”

The two groups toast their new partnership with a wine and cheese evening at The Greyhound in Stockbridge tonight.