Andy Lewis MBE

In 2007 Andy applied for a Disabled Flying Scholarship and following the selection process at RAF CRANWELL, he was picked from thousands of applicants to receive 35hrs of flight training.

He eventually passed his ground school exams and completed his flight training to gain his pilot’s license, proving that he could achieve something difficult when he put his heart and soul into it.

Andy then took part in a Dawn till Dusk flying challenge after being asked to participate by flying scholarships for the disabled, flying from Cambridge to Guernsey and around the UK and raising £38,000 for the charity.

In 2009 Andy decided he wanted to get fit again through running but it was clear this would not be straightforward, but not to be defeated he asked the disablement services at Southmead to create a running leg for him.

Andy then decided to go back to his roots to join Lydney Boxing Club where he had been a member as a child to see if he could use boxing as his way back to fitness.

The club asked him to become a coach, which he accepted and in 2010 he was awarded his coach’s license, however deep down he still had this desire to run but his leg was still proving a barrier.

The 2012 Paralympics proved to be the inspirational spur which led Andy to research into a “blade” running leg. Eventually he managed to raise the 8k needed and since receiving this leg, Andy’s life has changed dramatically.

He has competed and won many events for his age/category including competitions at Stoke Mandeville stadium, World Series events, World Championships, European Championships & recently a Paralympic gold in the Rio 2106 games.

Andy is now after being asked to join the world class performance program a key member of the Paralympics GB team and Great Britain triathlon team member.

Andy’s many achievements have been recognised as he has been awarded the Sports Person of the Year awards in Gloucestershire, awarded many sports awards and also been nominated for Paratriathlete of the year. 

Andy recognises his work isn’t just about promoting disability sport or other sports but it’s about teaching young people about a whole range of life skills.

He sees it as his duty as a member of the British Triathlon Squad to share his experiences with others.

His work also involves helping out at events where he mentors adults and children during a range of sporting events. It gives people the opportunity to try different sports in a safe environment.

Andy helped in making an impact to young people’s lives and raising aspirations whilst working on the Sporting Champions programme, and is now looking to inspire your audience by sharing his secret of what it takes to be the best you can be!

He also mentors other disabled children in sport and thoroughly enjoys talking to people about paratriathlon, and sharing his journey.