THE sister of a Newport woman who died of cancer a year ago, just three months after getting married, has paid tribute to the "fabulous" work of the hospice that enabled her to die at home with her family around her.

Jackie Selwood said St David's Hospice Care played a vital role in last few weeks of sister Alison's life - and is now helping their brother Andrew in his own gruelling battle against the disease.

When Alison Selwood-Jones, 45, of Duffryn, died last July, donations in lieu of flowers were split between St David's Hospice Care and Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, who helped care for her.

Proceeds from a day of celebration of her life, and another family event organised by her daughter Kyla and friend Linda Connors, brought the total to £2,135, with Kyla looking at completing a sky dive in future, in aid of St David's.

Alison Selwood featured in the Argus in April last year when she married Mickey Jones, her partner of 14 years, at Newport's Mansion House. A former baseball player with Newport Saracens, her wedding included a surprise baseball bat 'arch' of honour from ex-teammates and opponents.

The wedding was planned in just two weeks, ahead of planned treatment. But chemotherapy was called off shortly after the celebration, when it was found that her stomach cancer, which had spread to her blood, had also invaded her spine and become untreatable.

"St David's Hospice Care were fabulous with us last year when Alison was ill, and the support they provided was very important to us," said Jackie.

"And we have good cause to be thankful again because of Andrew. St David's is also there to support him and the family."

Mr Selwood, 48, who also lives in Duffryn, was diagnosed with cancer in his jaw and tongue a few weeks ago, and has since undergone a 14-hour operation at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, to be followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Velindre.

"As a family would like to express our gratitude for all the messages of kindness and thoughts for Andrew, even from strangers via Facebook saying prayers. It has been a great source of comfort," said Jackie.

"My sister fought to live right to the end as she had so much to live for, and my brother Andrew is doing the same. The journey is a tough and painful one, but my brother is brave and will come through this."