A MOTHER who devoted recent years to raising thousands of pounds for charity in memory of her son has died.

Jackie Lewis lost her son, Steven, who was aged just 31, to stomach cancer in December 2011.

After struggling with grief, she then channelled her energy into raising vital funds for Newport-based St David's Hospice, which had cared for her son.

South Wales Argus:

Jackie Lewis' son, Steven, who died in 2011

She, along with friends, founded the Bright Bluebelles fundraising group to collect money from events for St David’s Hospice Care in her son’s memory.

Mrs Lewis raised almost £65,000 and won 'Volunteer of the Year' at the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards 2018.

Tragically, Mrs Lewis, aged 69, died this morning, following a battle against cancer.

Emma Saysell, Chief Executive officer of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, where the River Usk room at the new in patient hospice at Malpas was dedicated to Steven Lewis in June 2017, said: “I am extremely saddened to know of Jackie’s passing today. She was a truly lovely, wonderful lady who I knew well and who we will all miss terribly.

“Jackie, with her team the Bright Bluebelles, worked tirelessly to keep the memory of Steven alive. In doing so they raised many thousands of pounds for St David’s Hospice Care for which we are eternally grateful.

"The work of the Bright Bluebelles helps us to continue to provide care throughout our community and is also as a legacy to Jackie and her son Steven.”

South Wales Argus:

Jackie Lewis with other fundraisers. DBPR

Mrs Lewis previously said: “Obviously Steven’s death was an earth shattering blow and life will never be the same for us again but I decided in April 2012 I could either sit down and waste the rest of my life or make something positive come out of this dreadful loss, something that he would be proud of.”

After meeting a St David’s Hospice Care bereavement counsellor Mrs Lewis decided to take part in a charity walk in memory of Steven and, since then, her fundraising with Bright BlueBelles snowballed.

Over the years the group have arranged walks, swimathons, It's a Knockout events at the Newport International Sports Village, raffles and entertainment evenings.

South Wales Argus:

Jackie Lewis opens The River Usk room at St David’s Hospice Care in patient hospice in Malpas. Pictured with Emma Saysell and other fund raisers. DBPR

A tranquil constant flow silver globe water feature, unveiled by Jackie in October 2013 in the peaceful gardens of the day hospice at Malpas, is a lasting reminder of Steven’s life and of a mother’s never ending love for her son.