A CHARITY launched following the death of a soldier in Afghanistan is holding a rugby tournament in the summer.

The Aaron Lewis Foundation,which has raised almost £200,000, is inviting teams to enter the 2014 Aaron Lewis Rugby 10s Tournament, to be held at Westcliff Rugby Football Club on June 21.

The tournament is in its 6th year, and organisers hope to boost the number of both competitive and social teams participating.

The tournament was created by friends of Aaron Lewis – a lieutenant in the 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was killed on duty in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, on December 15 2008.

He died three months into his first deployment, nine days after his 26th birthday.

Foundation spokesman, Lewis Harvey, said: “Aaron wanted to make a difference to the world, bringing help and hope to those in need. It was that belief which gave him the courage, hope and enthusiasm to deploy with the commandos.

“The charity was originally set up to raise funds for a memorial that stands proudly outside of the Royal Citadel, home of 29 Commando Regiment, Aaron’s regimental home.

“Now, the foundation is an organisation designed to raise money for carefully selected local and national charities.”

To date, the foundation has raised £194,000 for a variety of charities, ranging from medical aid charity MSF to Dementia UK and the Plymouth Citadel in memory of Aaron and fellow fallen troops.

Team entry costs £150 for a squad of up to 15 players, payable byMarch 31, or £200 for payments after this date. Clubs can enter multiple teams.

Teams will also receive a crate of beer and barebecue vouchers. There will be a £1,000 prize to the cup winners.

The tournament kicks off at 12.30pm with the guns of the Royal Artillery Association, providing a fitting start to proceedings.

The usual alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments will be available as well as children’s attractions, barebecues and live music until late.

Anyone interested in entering a team can e-mail aarons 10s_festival@hotmail.com for more information and payment details.