Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois praised the local charity, the Aaron Lewis Foundation for all the good work they do when he attended their recent annual rugby tournament held at Westcliff Rugby Club near Southend Airport.
In particular, Mark was impressed to see a new trailer, which the Foundation had funded on behalf of the Royal Artillery Association, to help them transport their 25 pounder cannon for public displays around the country, especially at events such as Armed Forces Day.
The Foundation was created by Helen and Barry Lewis, the parents of Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, a commando gunner, who was unfortunately killed while on active service in Afghanistan. Since its inception, the charity has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for military related causes, including providing rehabilitation equipment for injured veterans.
Mark, who has been a strong supporter of the Foundation said:
“What Helen and Barry Lewis and their supporters have achieved in commemorating their son’s memory is truly remarkable. The Foundation has been a great way of raising money for good causes as well as providing a great deal of fun and entertainment for very many people, not least the rugby teams who competed in a fun spirit at the annual tournament. It was great to see the Foundation in such good heart and in this case providing a special gift for the Royal Artillery Association, which I am sure will be put to good use for many years to come.”