A BRAVE campaigner has been nominated for the annual Newport Night of Honour Awards for her inspirational work for St David's Hospice.

Jackie Lewis, of Newport, has been nominated for Newport's braveheart award by Alan Brustad, of Newport City Council, for being the driving force behind many St David's Hospice fundraising events since 2011.

The Kings church has teamed up with the Argus for the third year running to find people like Mrs Lewis who have gone the extra mile to help others.

Nominations are open for the award ceremony on September 22.

The eight categories include; the above and beyond award; the youth champion award; Newport's braveheart award; public service superhero award; parent of the year; volunteer of the year; and community organisation of the year.

Mrs Lewis has been campaigning for St David's since her son, lifeguard Steven Lewis, sadly died aged 31 of stomach cancer in December 2011.

Mr Lewis was cared for during the latter part of his illness by St David's Hospice but within three months of his diagnosis Mr Lewis sadly passed away.

Within four months of Mr Lewis' death, Mrs Lewis decided that she would do something positive that Mr Lewis would be proud of and decided that she would campaign and fundraise in aid of St David's.

Her charitable work began with a fancy dress walk on Spring Bank Holiday from Charles Street to the Ship Inn, Caerleon, which has now become an annual event.

Since that time Mrs lewis has been joined along with keen volunteers there have been numerous fundraising events which to date has seen them raise over £17,000 to date.

The target is to reach £20,000 by the end of May 2014 through fundraising events such as a Star Wars themed Swimming Event planned for November 23 at NISV.

This event will also include a fancy dress parade and face painting which is particularly apt as Mr Lewis taught thousands of Newport children to swim during his career at Newport Leisure.

Her nominator, Mr Brustad said: "Jackie has turned the adversity of losing her son into something really positive and St David's have been the beneficiaries of the fundraising.

"By supporting St David's this will allow help to be given to families who are going through the same thing that the Lewis family went through in 2011.

"While Jackie will accept that she is not the only person fundraising for St David's, she is certainly the driving force in promoting the fundraising for this deserving organisation."

Mrs Lewis added: "I never started this charity work for any recognition. I had two things on my mind-the work St David's did to look after my son, and to keep his memory alive.

"I am so lucky to have such loyal and supportive friends and if there is any recognition to come from this nomination it should be to raise awareness of our fundraising and to get people involved.

"We enjoy every fundraising event that we do and it brings us all together."

To enter someone online, visit the Kings Church website. Please email info@newportsoh.org.uk or call 01633 244453.

Nominations must be received by midday on August 30.