News release

9 March 2023

Peter Cooper Motor Group puts Alex Lewis in the driving seat for new challenges

Peter Cooper Motor Group puts Alex Lewis in the driving seat for new challenges

Alex Lewis, the quad amputee from Hampshire, has picked up a brand-new Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line from the Peter Cooper Motor Group as part of a three-year sponsorship.

The inspirational 43-year-old, who lives in Stockbridge, has achieved some remarkable feats over the last 10 years and raised money for a number of charities. He cycled and climbed up Ethiopia's highest mountain, jumped 15,000ft out of an aeroplane and kayaked 200 miles through the icy waters of Greenland among other adventures.

Now, with new challenges in his sights, he needed a reliable car and that’s where the Peter Cooper Motor Group stepped in and provided Alex with a fully specked SUV as part of the Motability scheme. This month he will attempt to travel 300km across Salisbury Plain on a custom-made hand-cycle in under 24 hours.

In the summer, Alex will attempt to become the first quadruple amputee to row from Falmouth to Dover before cycling back from Canterbury to Padstow.

The events are in aid of the Murray Parish Trust, the Hampshire charity set up by actors Jim Murray and Sarah Parish to advance paediatric emergency medicine following the loss of their eldest daughter Ella-Jayne and Hospitality Action, the chosen charity of The Pig hotelier Robin Hutson, a friend and major supporter of Alex.

Alex, who lives in Stockbridge with his wife Lucy Townsend and son Sam, commented: "It's going to be an amazing year full of adventure and hopefully doing some good for people who need it.

“A big thank you to Darren and his team at Peter Cooper Motor Group,” added Alex. “The Tiguan is very comfortable for long drives and accommodates all my gear for each challenge. It’s incredibly reassuring to have the support and service as back up. In fact, the team at their All Makes Service Centre at Hedge End helped get my old Mitsubishi road worthy before a trip to Ukraine last year.”

Darren Cooper, Managing Director of The Peter Cooper Motor Group, said: “I met Alex at a number of charity events the business was supporting, and he explained what he was hoping to achieve and that he needed a car to transport him and all his gear. We were only too happy to help, and we managed to source him a Volkswagen Tiguan which is perfect for his requirements. It’s no normal R-Line though! Peter Cooper Modifications added some nice touches including an eye-catching wrap, coloured callipers and sporty side steps.”

Darren added: “The Peter Cooper Motor Group has always played a large part in supporting local people raising money for charities. Over the last 40 years we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes which we will continue to do through the Peter Cooper Motor Group Foundation, a legacy to all our engagement within our communities.

“Being an integral part of our community has always been a key driver for us and we remain honoured to be able to support Alex and many others through the great work our Foundation will continue to do. We wish Alex all the best and will follow his accomplishments throughout the year.”

Alex’s foundation, The Alex Lewis Trust, has provided hundreds of children with revolutionary prosthetics and is now looking to set up a scheme for amputees in war-torn Ukraine this year when he goes back there again.

For more information, please visit www.petercoopergroup.co.uk.

Pic: Managing Director at Peter Cooper Motor Group Darren Cooper with Alex Lewis

ENDS

For more information contact Chris on 07811 400621