A MOTHER whose son was killed in Afghanistan has met Queen Camilla as she helped open a poignant garden to remember those lost fighting for their country.

Helen Lewis, 67, from Rochford, was invited to the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey by the Royal British Legion, who asked her to act as a representative.

Helen’s son, Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 at the age of 26.

Aaron, from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was fatally wounded, when the gun position he was commanding in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province came under attack.

Echo: Aaron and mum HelenAaron and mum Helen (Image: Family handout)

Speaking of her visit to London to meet Queen Camilla, Mrs Lewis said: “I was representing the more recent conflicts at the garden and the families of those who have been lost in recent conflicts, the Queen goes around to each plot, and she came along to me and we were introduced, she was so nice.

“She recognised the Elizabeth Cross, which is given to the next of kin of those lost in conflict, and she asked me who I was representing, I explained and pointed out Aaron’s cross. She offered condolences and she said it must have been very hard. She was very kind, she patted my arm and asked if I was very proud, to which we said we were. She was with me for a good few minutes.”

Mrs Lewis, who attended the opening alongside her husband, Barry Lewis, added she felt “very honoured” to have been asked to attend by the RBL.

She said the charity had used Aaron’s story to help raise funds this year, talking about his loss and the impact it had on his family and friends.

“It was their way of saying thank you. They have been a great support to us. They invite us to events and they never forget Aaron. They help veterans that have been injured in many ways,” Mrs Lewis said.

Mrs Lewis is a trustee for the Aaron Lewis Foundation, which was founded to support veterans and encourage them back into sport.

Mrs Lewis added they have been “very fortunate to have a lot of support and have helped a lot of people.”

Mrs Lewis is confident that the spirit of remembrance will live on with the younger generation, as it’s “not something that will just fade away because sadly, recent conflicts have reawakened younger generations to conflict.”