IT is nearly eight years since a remarkable young soldier died on the battlefields of Afghanistan...but his memory lives on thanks to a foundation set up in his honour.

The Aaron Lewis Foundation was launched in the wake of the 26-year-old’s tragic death on December 15, 2008.

Aaron Lewis, a lieutenant in the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed on duty in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

The foundation’s annual rugby tournament was one of the first events ever launched.

Organised by Westcliff Rugby Club, it has raised ten of thousands of pounds over the past eight years- about £8,000 of which came from the latest tournament last month.

In all, more than £250,000 has been raised by the foundation in memory of Aaron

In a recent update published by the foundation, Nick Sigwart, director of the club said: “The tournament has grown over the last eight years, from a handful of teams made up of Aaron’s mates having a run around, to what it is today - a full on fixture in the rugby calendar with significant prize money, multiple trophies and people of all abilities battling it out.

“When we held the first competition I don’t think we ever expected the tournament to grow in quite the way it has.

“Every year gets bigger and better with something new and it is immensely gratifying for those involved with the Aaron Lewis Foundation and the rugby club to see.”

When Aaron, from Rochford, was 22 - just before he left for Sandhurst - he self-funded a trip to Borneo with Raleigh International to help build a school.

It was an experience that would leave a lasting impression on him.

The Aaron Lewis Award was launched because of that trip, and is now in its third year. supporting its fifth young person to experience a trip of a lifetime.

Inspirational and committed students who live in south Essex are supported by the foundation during volunteering trips abroad.

Students from Belfairs Academy, in Leigh, are set to travel to South Africa to help local communities with running activities and schooling for deprived children.

Lt Col Steve Fraser, a trustee of the Aaron Lewis Foundation, said cycling events were organised by the charity to help Army veterans.

He said: “The generosity of others has allowed us to put wheeled sport at the heart of many lives this year.

“We have enabled five ex-servicemen to regain access to the road or compete at an international level with specialised bikes and equipment and we are helping to get a disabled ex-servicewoman to take to the road once more on a specially adapted motor-trike.”

For more information on the foundation, visit aaronlewisfoundation.org.uk