A DEVASTATED Newport woman has spoken about losing her husband to cancer aged 31 – just months after they got married.

Angela Lewis, 28, met future husband Steven ten years ago while on a night out in Zanzibar in Newport.

They got married in Limassol, Cyprus, on May 9 last year Mr Lewis, who had been fit and healthy, began suffering stomach pains and was losing weight so, last October, he had tests at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital, which revealed he was suffering with stomach cancer.

This bad news was compounded in November, just two days before he was due to start chemotherapy at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Doctors told the couple the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, liver and lungs and Mr Lewis was only expected to live for two weeks.

“I was devastated, it was horrible.

"He was so strong, I still believed he could fight it,” said Mrs Lewis, of Alicia Way. “Steven was amazing: even though he was told he wouldn’t be here, he was more concerned about everybody else.”

Because of the spread of the disease, chemotherapy was no longer an option, so Mrs Lewis took him home on November 24 so she could care for him.

In his final few weeks, despite doctors expecting him to be bed-ridden, he spent time socialising with friends, went to watch his beloved Newport Gwent Dragons and the couple stayed in the Celtic Manor’s presidential suite.

“He lived his life,” said Mrs Lewis.

His condition got worse in mid December and Mrs Lewis said she knew he was reaching the end.

On December 21, with his wife and family by his side, Mr Lewis died at home.

“He closed his eyes and went really peacefully.

“I was glad he was at home, surrounded by his family,” said Mrs Lewis.

His funeral was held at St Julian’s Methodist Church and Mr Lewis was buried at Christchurch Cemetery.

His widow has described the past five months as “horrible”

She added: “I am so glad we got married and I married such a wonderful person and I’d do it again.

Even though it was short-lived, I’m so glad he came into my life.”


Fancy dress walk to thank hospice

FOLLOWING his death, Mr Lewis’ mother, Jackie Lewis, has organised a sponsored walk for family and friends in memory of her son, which will raise money for St David’s Foundation Hospice Care.

The charity helped when Mr Lewis was being brought home from hospital and family members also spoke to one of its counsellors.

Now, the family want to raise money for the charity which helped them.

The fancy dress walk, inspired by Mr Lewis’ fondness for fancy dress, will leave Charles Street, Newport, on June 4 at 11am and finish at the Ship Inn, Caerleon. There will be a bucket collection en route.

To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/Jackie-Lewis31