FOREST Paralympics gold medallist Andy Lewis has blasted a TV ad campaign which he says undermines his efforts to spread a message of respect.

The triathlon star from Lydney attends schools to spread a message of equality, but says the TV ad for Gillette shaving products has tarred men “all over the world” by showing people having to deal with aggressive and sexist male behaviour.

Andy, who visited St John’s Church of England Academy in Coleford earlier this month, tweeted Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan after the star expressed his fury at Gillette’s “war on masculinity.”

The sportsman said: “Time to boycott Gillette Piers!!!! After all men spend with them.”

And Morgan replied: “I think a lot of men will do that, Andy. Why support a company that thinks men are now all monsters until they prove otherwise?”

Rio gold medallist Andy, who was awarded an MBE in 2017, added: “I am trying to teach children to be equal, help them understand how to respect each other and companies like Gillette today have launched a backlash against men all over the world!!! Wow just wow. If this was an attack on women then... say no more.”

The new TV ad plays on Gillette’s original ‘best a man can get’ slogan, and shows sexist and aggressive behaviour by men

being tackled. Critics in a huge social media backlash, that includes a beard-growing campaign, say it has created a picture of “toxic masculinity” by implying that many men

behave badly.

Andy fought back from losing his leg in a motorbike accident at 16 to win Paralympic gold in 2016 and has launched a new business going into schools to inspire young people to be the best they can.

In his first project with a new business partner, he attended St John’s Church of England Academy to help children tackle the “challenges of the school playground.”

Andy, who is working with wellbeing leader, Chris Powell, said: “This initiative is all about wellbeing and equipping children to become leaders.

“With the help of Chris, I was promoting positive activity in the playground and allowing those that show any form of leadership to develop their skills to be the eyes and ears of the school at break times.

“The teachers can’t be everywhere and part of this bespoke training is educating pupils to be aware of younger children who are maybe showing signs of distress.

“It’s all about respect and compassion and thinking of others and it’s a chance for the quieter pupils to shine,” he added.

“The scheme aims to improve the quality of life of each individual, boost emotional wellbeing and change any behaviours that might impact on students’ mental health.

“This was our first challenge as business partners and we’re working towards ensuring children in Gloucestershire are equipped with enough knowledge to tackle the daily challenges of the playground.

“During the workshop we help the Year Five and Six children identify children in the playground who need a friend and we create activities that the whole school can get involved with.

“This not only releases the strain on the teachers during break times, but helps the pupils become aware of their environment, develop life skills and, by giving them an award, it allows them to be recognised by the school as someone who can be relied on to help in the playground.”Year Five pupil, Harrison Henschker, who took on the role of one of the independent leaders, said: “The day couldn’t be better, while fellow pupil Ruby Kear described it as “the best day at school by a long way.”

Learn more about Andy’s project at www. bespokementoring.org.uk