THE Aaron Lewis Foundation has helped an Army veteran rekindle her love of cycling after a chronic health condition led to the loss of one of her legs.
Lexi Alyx Chambers served with the Royal Signals and later retrained as an NHS nurse when she left the Army, working in the endoscopy unit at her local hospital.
However, the fitness fanatic and keen runner began experiencing pain in her feet and was left in agony following a string of operations to tackle a condition called hammer toes.
She was later diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome – with the pain so severe that Lexi requested to have her left leg amputated below the knee.
She had the procedure in April last year, although she still experiences CRPS.
Lexi, 42, said: “I never thought there would be a time in my life that I would not be able to enjoy the sport that I love; and then there was.
“Throughout my life, I’ve tried to face every problem in a practical way, and try not to let things get me down. Onwards and upwards, with everything. But not being able to cycle and run anymore was the worst part of it all, and coping without the sports I love has pushed me to breaking point.”
Now, thanks to the ALF, Lexi has been presented with a handbike, allowing her to get back in the saddle.
Lexi, from Exeter, Devon, added: “The hand cycle is just incredible and has given me back some of my independence. The ability to reach for a goal and strive to make it happen – it has opened a closed door and will provide a new lease of life for me.
“My wife Shannon and I used to cycle everywhere together and have not been able to for years. Thanks to the Aaron Lewis Foundation, now we can.”
And she said: “May I also say, it was amazing to read about Aaron. What a truly remarkable and inspirational man – and what an incredible honour I feel to be able to have benefited in such an incredible way from his legacy. I will wear my jersey with pride.”