Runners to take on Newport half marathon in tragic pal's memory (From South Wales Argus)

Runners to take on Newport half marathon in tragic pal's memory

12:20pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

FAMILY and friends of a Newport lifeguard who tragically died in 2011 are running the Newport half marathon in his memory.

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

Since his death thousands have been raised by his family and friends for St David's.

Now two friends are running the Newport Half Marathon in his memory on March 3.

Oliver Harris, 31, a financial advisor from Machen, was Mr Lewis' brother-in-law. He said: "I started running about six months ago, and I started training for the marathon about four months ago. I had never really run before that.

"I'm taking part because St David's looked after Steve really well, and Steve's mum has already raised a lot of money for them in his memory."

Mr Harris added: "I think I'm just about ready and I'm hoping I'm going to enjoy it. It should be good."

Dr Miles Allison, a consultant at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, is also running in memory of Mr Lewis.

He said: "I looked after Steve when he was in hospital and it was very sad that he had terminal cancer at just 31, so that's why I'm taking part.

"I normally run two miles a week in the hills near my home in Llangwm, near Usk, but to train for this I'm now running three times a week along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.

"I'm looking forward to it with a degree of trepidation. It's the first time I have ever attempted a half marathon.

"I'm really chuffed with how supportive and generous people have been."

Mr Lewis' mum Jackie said: "It is quite an honour that Steven's consultant should have thought of Steven in this way, and we know they will all do fantastically.

"We will be manning the Steve Lewis water station at the half-marathon straight from our fundraising event the night before, which has now sold out."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Oliver-Harris1 and www.justgiving.com/Miles-Allison2