The Aaron Lewis Foundation is an all-volunteer charity set up in memory of Lieutenant Aaron Lewis and is committed to transforming lives through sport, well-being and life changing opportunities in the Essex area and nationally for service and ex-service personnel

On the 15th December 2008, Lieutenant Aaron Lewis of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in action in Afghanistan. He was just 26 and on his first operational deployment.

Two years after his death, the Aaron Lewis Foundation was established by his family, friends and former service colleagues to continue to make a difference in his memory. With unity and teamwork at its core, Foundation volunteers and supporters deliver life-changing outcomes to a variety of causes close to Aaron’s heart throughout Essex and nationally for the service and ex-service community.

Aaron was an athlete, he participated in competitive running events, rugby, and many other outdoor pursuits.

Aaron always wanted to take part in the Marathon des Sables, a 250k foot race across the Sahara desert, in 50 degree heat, covering up to 85 kilometers on one of the 6 stages, and in his memory I will finish the event on his behalf. The stage distances are:

Stage 1: 32 km

Stage 2: 40 km

Stage 3: 32.5 km

Stage 4: 82.2 km (stage 4 takes place over 48 hours)

Stage 5: 42.2 km

Stage 6: 21.1 km

Training updates will be posted to this page via Strava, heat training, races, everything that I do in preparation will be shared here and on instagram @BRETTLEWIS_RUNS.

It would mean the world to my family and I, if you could spare even £1 to support the foundation. Every penny raised goes directly to the charity.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.