IT’S going to be a gruelling challenge but they are determined to do it for a friend who lost all his limbs through a devastating illness.

A dozen friends of Alex Lewis, from Stockbridge, who was struck down with group A streptococcus – a bacteria that developed into septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome – are taking part in an extreme 12-mile obstacle course.

The Tough Mudder at Matterley Bowl near Winchester on October 25 has been designed by the British Special Forces which includes ice baths, electric shocks and lashings of mud.

Phil Webb and members of his family, who live at Lockerley, are the backbone of the Lockerley Mudders team.

Most were regulars at the King’s Arms when it was run by Alex and his partner Lucy Townsend.

Phil said: “I think that our main reaction initially was complete shock that a fit, young man could become so ill so quickly. Since then, the reaction has been one of massive admiration for the way that Alex has handled his recovery. Alex is hoping to come along on the day to cheer us on.”

Since undergoing major surgery and life-saving treatment, 34-year-old Alex has been making a remarkable recovery and adapting to using his prosthetic limbs and trying to get his independence back.

The Lockerley Mudders hope to raise more than £3,000 for the Alex Lewis Trust set up to help the young dad Phil added: “We’ve been training since the beginning of the year. None of us were very fit at first. We started off with very short walks/runs of less than a mile and built up slowly. We have now all successfully completed runs of between seven and 11 miles, so are hopefully ready for it.

“None of us are natural athletes so this is a big challenge for us but we are determined to do it to raise as much as we can for Alex and his family.

To help the team reach its goal log onto www.fundrazr.com and search for Lockerley Mudders.