A former Paratrooper is gearing up for his next big boxing fight to raise vital funds for Support Our Paras, the charity that supported him after life-changing injuries in Afghanistan.
Michael Lewis, 36, is a former Paratrooper who served with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment and is set to compete in his third boxing match on Saturday 14th September in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Despite being a below the knee amputee that hasn’t stopped Michael from training six days a week in the lead up to the big fight and he hopes to inspire others, by getting back in the ring after his latest fight in July.
Michael said “After my first match, which ended in a defeat, I am determined to come back fighting. I proved this by winning my second fight in just one minute thirty eight seconds in round one under boxing coach Lee Edwards of BST Academy, Northampton. Getting back into training and into the ring has to be one of the hardest things I have done, but I want to promote Support Our Paras for what it is, showing that donations really do help individuals like myself and all those within the Airborne Forces community including families.”
“Since losing my leg in 2008 during service in Afghanistan, I have been focused on challenging myself no matter what the limitations and in the past have completed two mud runs and The Royal Parks Half Marathon just last year. All donations go towards Support Our Paras and I am proof of where the money goes and how it helps. They provided me a active prosthetic foot and funded a new wet room which was a welcome addition to my home.”
Michael served with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment as a Corporal and had been in the Army since 2000. In 2008 everything changed, with only six weeks left to go of his tour before he returned home, Michael and his platoon were engaged in an intense fire-fight and Michael was hit by a British Artillery 105mm round. He was left with blast wounds which nearly severed his left arm, shrapnel wounds to his left knee and blast wounds to his right leg which led to a below knee amputation.
The injures lead to Michael being medically discharged from the Army in 2012 and life as Michael knew it was changed forever, consequently his dream of serving in the British Armed Forces was over. However, through Michael’s treatment, rehabilitation and transition from military to civilian street Support Our Paras has been there for him.
For those who would like to donate towards Michael’s boxing challenge fund they can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Lewis52
Boxing Match – Saturday 14th September. For tickets please email Michael Lewis: mlewis6962@hotmail.co.uk