A NEWPORT swimathon with a Star Wars theme was a success on Saturday afternoon as over £300 was raised for St David’s Hospice Care.

The event was set up by Jackie Lewis, to help raise money for the hospice that cared for her son while he was dying.

Steven Lewis, a Newport lifeguard, died in December 2011, aged 31, after battling stomach cancer.

The event saw seven teams of four take part in a 4 x 25m relay race which certainly didn’t lack a competitive edge as the mixed age teams competed for a trophy that was presented to the winners.

Specators were also present as they paid 50p to offer their support and watch the race unfold.

As well as this, there was face painting, a raffle and four Star Wars characters dressed up for children to have photos with.

At the end of the event, with money still coming in, the total raised was over £300 which is added to the £20,000 that Mrs Lewis has raised through a variety of community events in the past year.

She said: “This is the first time we’ve done an event of this type and it’s been great but a big learning curve.

“We will definitely make it bigger and better next year. We try to do events that everyone in the community can join in with.

“All the money we raise goes to St David’s Hospice in memory of my son.”

There will be a bucket left at the Newport International Sports Village Swimming Pool for the next week if anyone would like to make a donation.