FAMILY and friends of a Newport lifeguard who tragically died in 2011 are holding a sponsored walk in aid of St David’s Hospice Care in his memory.

Steve Lewis died on December 21 2011 at the age of 31 after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Since his death almost £17,000 has been raised by his family and friends for St David’s. The fancy dress walk will be held on Monday May 27, starting from Charles Street to the Ship, Caerleon.

Mum Jackie Lewis, who has organised the event said: "We did the walk for the first time last year, and we are hoping for the weather we had last year.

"We raised over £4,000 last year so we are setting our sights higher this year, maybe £5,000."

The walk is just one of many fundraising events Mrs Lewis has arranged in the past few months.

On April 10 Mrs Lewis met the Mayor and Mayoress of Newport with four friends who help her with fundraising, Sue Murphy, Gill Shaw, Mo Pidgeon and Anita Small. She said: "The Mayor's Office had contacted me because the Mayor had heard about our fundraising and wanted to know more about Steven and what we have been doing to raise such a large sum of money.

"St David’s Hospice Care has been one of the Mayor’s chosen charities along with the Alzheimer's Society and we were able to exchange stories about our fundraising for the year."

The fancy dress walk is next Monday May 27, with volunteers meeting at 11.30 am opposite the Job Centre and leaving at 11.45 am. For more information or to request a sponsor form, contact Mrs Lewis on 01633 665361 or e-mail jaclew50@hotmail.co.uk