FAMILY and friends of Steven Lewis, a Newport lifeguard who died of stomach cancer aged 31, have so far raised £17,383.39 for St David's Hospice in his memory.

Organised by mum Jackie Lewis and keen volunteers, the group have been holding a series of fundraising events in the past year in a bid to raise £20,000 by the end of May 2014.

But now, thanks to the generosity of the people of Newport and beyond, they are well on track to raise the money in record time.

Steven died in December 2011, and Mrs Lewis says the help and support both Steven and the family received from St David's was invaluable.

She said: "The reason we want to do this is because I want St David's to be there for families who are going through the same thing we went through.

"St David's supported not just Steven, but us as well, and they do such a wonderful job."

Fundraising events have included a sponsored walk, which raised £2975.64, a garden party, a comedy night, two coffee mornings and Mrs Lewis and 13 of her friends and family ran the Steve Lewis Water Station at the finishing line of the Newport Half Marathon on Sunday.

Mrs Lewis already has some big fundraising events planned for the rest of the year to push them up to their target.

On September 6 there will be a team golfing event at Peterstone Lakes, on September 20 another quiz night at St Julian's Conservative Club and on October 25 an entertainment evening with Russ 'n' Roll.

But Mrs Lewis is most excited about the Starwars-themed Steve Lewis Swimming Event she has planned for November 23 at Newport International Sports Village.

The event will include a fancy dress parade and face painting, and is particularly apt as Steven taught thousands of Newport children to swim during his career at Newport Leisure.

To get involved, donate, buy tickets or find out more, visit www.facebook.com/StudSal, www.justgiving.com/Jackie-Lewis31 or email jaclew50@hotmail.com.