SOME of Hampshire’s best-known faces turned out to support a brave young dad struck down by a devastating illness.

Celebrity chef, James Martin and former TV sports presenter, Dickie Davies, were among those who joined top hairdresser, Guy Kremer, to raise more than £15,000 for Alex Lewis and his family.

Guy held a three-hour blow-dry bootcamp at his salon in Winchester, the first fund-raiser for the Al Lewis Trust.

Alex has had both legs and an arm amputated and lost parts of his face after what started as a common cold left him fighting for his life.

The 34-year-old, from Stockbridge, who has a three-year-old son, Sam, was diagnosed with blood infection Group A streptococcus, a normally harmless bacteria, which in Alex’s case forced his organs to shut down.

Surgeons had to amputate both legs above his knees, his left arm above his elbow and reconstruct his remaining arm to save his life.

Alex’s partner, Lucy Townsend and mum, Doreen Jarvis, were at the salon, in Parchment Street, for Saturday night’s event with many of Alex’s friends.

People learned professional blow-drying skills and got a goody bag from Mr Kremer in return for a donation.

There was also a pop-up florist, an auction and non-alcoholic cocktails from the Hotel du Vin.

Saints star, Jay Rodriguez, donated a pair of signed football boots worn when he played for England to be auctioned.

Guy said: “We’re very close to Alex. My partner is godfather to Alex’s son, and we want to try to help as much as we can.”

Lucy said that Alex felt people were doing lovely things for him and wanted to be able to thank them.

“He truly appreciates it all very much. It was unbelievable,” she said.

Upcoming events include a golf day hosted by Dickie Davies, and a fishing day.

The Al Lewis Trust will help fund Alex’s rehabilitation costs and support the intensive care unit at Salisbury District Hospital, where he is being treated.