A NEWPORT woman unveiled a water feature in memory of her son who died of stomach cancer, aged 31.

The specially-commissioned feature was unveiled by Jackie Lewis in the garden at St David’s Hospice Care day hospice, Malpas, in memory of her son Steven Lewis, who was a lifeguard.

Mrs Lewis, from St Julian’s, said: “Steve loved the water. He spent a great deal of his life in water both as a swimmer as a young man and then as a lifeguard working for Newport council helping thousands of youngsters to learn to swim. Therefore the water feature in the garden at St David’s Hospice is a very fitting tribute to Steve.”

Jackie, who together with family and friends, raised £18,500 for the hospice at home charity since his death in December, 2011, said: “It is very peaceful at Malpas. The beautiful water feature adds to the tranquillity of the place. I hope it will be appreciated by all those who use the gardens especially in the summer months.”

The water feature has blue light at the top which, Steve’s mum said “was a happy coincidence” as periwinkle blue is the colour of the stomach cancer charity.

She added said: “St David’s Hospice Care did so much to help Steve in his last few weeks enabling him to stay at home and do the things he wanted to do. St David’s also provided counselling for me too after his death. I really can’t thank them enough. I, my family and friends, will carry on raising money for St David’s to do our bit to help them to continue doing the marvellous work that they do for the whole community.”

Among the planned fundraising events to be held are an entertainment night, a curry night and a swimming event.

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care said: “The water feature in the garden at Malpas is a wonderful addition and will be enjoyed by all. It is lasting reminder not just of Steven but also a tribute to his mum Jackie and the tremendous and dedicated fundraising carried out by her, his friends and family.”