RELATIVES and friends of a Newport lifeguard who died in 2011 came together for a fancy dress walk in aid of St David’s Hospice Care on Monday.

Steven Lewis, 31, died on December 21, 2011, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

The fancy dress walk from Charles Street to The Ship Inn, Caerleon, saw dozens of people turn out in fancy dress to be greeted by the mayor and mayoress before they began the three-mile walk.

Costumes ranging from Super Mario to princesses were judged by the mayor, with winners Andy Murphy, dressed as a chimney sweep, and Julia Cook, a bee.

Mother Jackie Lewis, of Newport, said: “Today is as though we have come full circle because this is where it started last year.

“The event was thought of because Steven loved fancy dress, he loved a pint in his local and he also loved a bank holiday.

“I don’t feel sad today, I feel proud of what we have all done and what we have achieved.

“We are hoping by the end of this second year to get to £20,000.

“We are so lucky to have so many friends and family who have supported us throughout the year, who have turned up to every event, as well as the support of local businesses and banks such as Barclays bank and the Coventry and Monmouthshire building societies, who have doubled the amount of money their employees have raised.

“The bond between Steven and St David’s can never be broken as without them he wouldn’t have had the quality of life he had in his last months.”

Sally Rees, fundraising manager for St David’s, said: “It is good to see the support that Jackie has received. This walk will become an annual event and St David’s will continue to support her.”

Upcoming events in memory of Mr Lewis will include a comedy evening on June 2 and a ‘Russ’n Roll’ concert, to be held on June 14.

For more information on future events, or to donate, contact Mrs Lewis on 01633 665361 or e-mail jaclew50@hotmail.co.uk