Their life and actions guarantee the safe existence of others. Thanks to their devotion and courage tens, hundreds, thousands of people were spared a terrible fate. Neither wars nor natural disasters nor terrorism can stop them. In Africa, Middle East, Latin America and other ends of the world they invest not only their time, resources and security but also the most valuable – their life – to make the world a better place to live.

It all started with a photo. In 2015, the world was struck by shock and grief when the images capturing Alan Kurdi, a three-year-old refugee boy from Syria who drowned while trying to get to Europe, made the global frontpages. For Simon Lewis, that was the turning point in his life and a beginning of a noble mission that would bring him to save hundreds of innocent lives thousands of miles away from home.

“We can all lead by example as we contribute to causes all over the world and inspire many to become someone who makes a difference. Hero is not the term I use. We all have courage and achievements admired by others. We are not superman characters, we are just normal people who use their skills, knowledge and passion to give it our best.”

These people live next to us. They are modern day heroes.