Despite losing all four limbs to a devastating infection which simply started as a cold, Alex Lewis amazed family and medics by taking his first steps.

Now the determined 34-year-old is on a mission to push the boundaries even further with a little help from some new friends.

The dad-of-one from Stockbridge is set become the first ever civilian amputee to be invited to join injured servicemen take part in gruelling fundraising challenges with the Pilgrim Bandits.

The New Milton-based charity heard about Alex’s story and his remarkable journey since being struck down by Strep A toxic shock syndrome in 2013 and could not wait to have him on their team.

The charity raises funds by pushing injured men and women into physically and mentally demanding situations that they would have not believe possible and soon Alex will embark on his first challenge with them.

Plans are already underway to get Alex to take part in a skydive in June, if he gets the go ahead from doctors, and there are hopes that he could also take part in a hand cycle between Brisbane and Sydney next year.

Alex, who met Jim Wilson from the charity at The Greyhound on the Test, which is run by his fiancé Lucy Townsend, said: “It’s fantastic and exactly what I wanted to do.

“What’s available to civilian amputees is quite tragic so to get the chance to do this with these guys is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am lucky to be asked.”

He added: “I was supposed to do a skydive last year but sadly I couldn’t do it, but since I have been an amputee it has been something I’ve wanted to do.”

As previously reported, Alex took his first steps unaided in November after being confined to a wheelchair during the first year of his rehabilitation.

He is now mastering the art of being upright as he aims to be able to walk down the aisle when he marries Lucy.