Tim Barter is helping Alex Lewis raise funds for prosthetic limbs
Monday 17 October 2016 14:41, UK
Tim Barter has been helping to raise funds for his friend and former golf student Alex Lewis, whose life was turned upside down in 2013 when he contracted a life-threatening illness.
What started as a common cold soon left Alex fighting for his life after he was struck down with Strep A Toxic Shock Syndrome, Septicaemia and Necrotising Fasciitis.
The talented young golfer from Hampshire, who was coached by Tim as a junior, was forced to undergo a quadruple amputation as well as painful and extensive skin grafts and facial reconstruction as the infection ravaged his face and mouth as well as his limbs.
Through his travels around the world with the Sky Sports team, Tim has sought the help of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose in an effort to raise funds to enable Alex to purchase the prosthetic limbs he needs to be able to walk again.
Most of the world's leading professionals have donated various signed items including bags, golf clubs and tournament flags, which are now available via an online auction. All funds raised will help go towards Alex realising his dream of being able to play golf again.
"I am completely in awe of the way Alex and his partner, Lucy have dealt with the adversity which has befallen them, it has changed my own perspective on life and inspired me to help in anyway I can to improve the quality of this amazing young family's life," says Tim on the auction site.
During last week's British Masters, Henni Zuel spoke to Tim at the Sky Cart as he explained the history of Alex's plight, and how people can help raise funds by bidding on a number of superb items available.
Watch the video to see Tim Barter explain his fund-raising efforts for Alex Lewis, and see the full interview on our Sky Sports Facebook page.
And for more information on the inspiring story of Alex and other fund-raising events, visit the Alex Lewis Trust homepage.
