Stewart Lenton graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Bristol University. Having developed a passion for flying in the University Air Squadron, he joined the RAF in which he spent 17 years and became a qualified flying instructor on both the Jet Provost and the Canberra aircraft. Photographic Reconnaissance was his main role during his RAF service. On leaving the RAF he became an Airline pilot for 23 years, working for a series of major airlines before retiring in 2001. Stewart enjoys an active life; he plays golf, is a member of the Plymouth Minster choir and the prestigious West Devon Chorale. He gives talks to local groups on a variety of subjects and along with his wife he was a founding trustee of the Plymouth Community Family Trust for which they held relationship education courses for couples in their home. He is also a qualified RYA Offshore Skipper. Stewart Lenton lives in Plymouth with his wife, Liz, who was an RAF doctor in Malta when they met.