AN inspirational Test Valley man has told his story to Romsey pupils.

Alex Lewis has visited Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School to tell students about his life since November 2013, when a simple cold changed his life forever.

As previously reported, the Stockbridge man had contracted group-A streptococcus which turned into blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. His organs started to shut down and he spent a week in a coma as the bacteria wreaked havoc throughout his body, forcing doctors to amputate his left arm and both legs above the knee.

After his talk Mr Lewis invited children to ask questions.

Headteacher Julie-Anne Palfrey said: “I am really proud of our pupils, they listened so well and really enjoyed listening to Alex’s unique and very moving story – I know the pupils were inspired by his bravery in the face of real adversity and I am certain that Alex will have helped the children to face their own difficult situations with the determination. I think they will remember this story for a very long time.”

The visit had been arranged by Marion Maxey, music teacher at the school, who said: “The Abbey Primary School choir were singing in a concert in Romsey Abbey that evening raising money for the Alex Lewis Trust and Alex was attending and I thought it would be good for Alex to tell his inspirational story to the pupils prior to the concert and I was delighted when Alex agreed.”