THE mother of Steffan Lewis has thanked people for their kind messages following his death.

The 34-year-old father-of-one, who was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in December 2017, but had continued to work through his treatment and regularly appeared at Senedd debates, died on Friday.

Tributes poured in for him over the weekend.

And his mother, Gail Davies, has now said the family has felt "wrapped in love" as a result.

READ MORE: 'We have done nothing to deserve this': Newport pub used as base for rugby club Hartridge RFC is targeted by vandals

Mr Lewis, who joined Plaid aged 11, had been seen as one of party’s rising stars, and had worked as Leanne Wood’s speechwriter during her leadership.

Elected to the Assembly in May 2016, at the time he was the youngest AM in the Senedd, a position which was later supplanted by Jack Sargeant when he was elected as AM for Alyn and Deeside in a by-election in February 2018 aged 23.

Born in Crosskeys, Mr Lewis remained true to his Valleys roots. His key campaigning issues included regeneration in the Valleys and perinatal metal health services. He also regularly spoke about concerns around the South Wales Metro, saying he was worried it would turn Valleys communities into “commuter towns”.

READ MORE: Warning after youths hit Gwent Police officer with stone and damage fire engine

Speaking to the Argus about his treatment last year, Mr Lewis had said he had first gone to his doctor after suffering severe stomach pains.

“I thought I was going to be told I had gallstones," he said. "After having tests and a scan, I was sat down with the consultant who broke the news that I had stage four bowel cancer.

“He said it had spread to my liver, lymph nodes and to my lung as well.

"To be told they weren’t optimistic of a cure was an enormous shock.

“I was 33 at the time.

"The last thing you think of when you’re a little unwell in your thirties is that it’s cancer.”