A MOTHER of a Newport lifeguard who died three years ago completed a sponsored swim in his memory.

Jackie Lewis, 65, and work colleague Maggie Hall completed the swim on Tuesday to raise funds for St David’s Hospice Care in memory of Mrs Lewis’s son Steve.

They completed 73 lengths in Risca Leisure Centre in one-and-a-half hours, beating their record time by 10 minutes with two 30-second stops.

Mrs Lewis, from Risca, said: My son helped Maggie improve her swimming about five years ago so we thought it was a fitting way to raise money in his memory.”

To date they have raised more than £500 for the swim and the total continues to rise.

Mr Lewis died of stomach cancer at the age of 31 in December 2011 and since then she has been raising money for the charity.

The fundraising group is hoping to raise £33.333.33 by the end of May next year marking three years of fundraising, having raised more than £28,200.

They are holding an event on Friday, November 28, entitled Thank You for the Music – a Celebration of Music from the Stage, TV and Movies at St Julian’s Conservative Club, 7.30pm-11pm. Tickets cost £5 from Jackie Lewis on 01633 665361 and there will be a Christmas raffle.

Mrs Lewis is auctioning a signed Olympic suit worn by Dame Sarah Storey. The reserve price is £250 and the auction ends at 6pm on December 21, the third anniversary of Mr Lewis’ death.

Text bids to 07841 398768 or email to jaclew50@hotmail.co.uk

To add to the sponsor money for the swim visit www.justgiving.com/Jackie-Lewis31/