MOURNERS gathered at St Julian’s Methodist Church for the funeral of a devoted fundraiser who raised almost £65,000 for charity after the death of her son.

Jackie Lewis, aged 69, died on April 3, following a battle against cancer.

Mrs 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.

She won 'Volunteer of the Year' at the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards 2018.

Officiating, Reverend Pam Simmonds said: “We are here today for a very special service for a very special person.

"She was gentle and unassuming.

READ MORE:

The fashion designer who took on denim powerhouse in court and won.

Heatwave set to see temperatures rocket this Easter weekend.

Translation blunder sees store offer customers free alcohol.

"For her to talk about her son's death showed great strength and resilience.

"Her family were her world. They made what she did possible, they provided her with her strength.

"After the sad and untimely death of her son Steven, Jackie did a lot of work to raise money for St David's Hospice.

"She was so grateful for St David's for caring for Steven at home."

Friend of the family Paul Murphy read the poem ‘Footprints’, adding that was a "privilege" to read the tribute.

South Wales Argus:

Jackie Lewis and fundraisers.

Following the funeral, neighbour Frances Mulcahy said: “She was strong and brave to the last.

"I saw her the week before she died, she was still so positive.

"She was an example to all of us.”

Mrs Lewis’ friends and colleagues Sue Chaytor-Jackson and Maggie Hall also paid tribute to her.

"I got in to teaching because of her," said Mrs Chaytor-Jackson.

"I went to one of her computer classes. I had never seen a computer before.

"After never missing a lesson, she asked me to cover a lesson one day, and that made me want to go to college and get my qualifications.”

South Wales Argus:

Jackie Lewis unveils the memorial water feature in the garden of St David’s Hospice Care at Malpas, Newport.

Mrs Hall said: “She probably taught IT to thousands of people.

"She was very conscientious about that.

"She had great people skills.

"She was an inspiration, a great friend and a great colleague.”

Hymns at the funeral included How Great Thou Art, Will Your Anchor Hold? and The Old Rugged Cross.