AFTER reaching her target of raising £33,333.33 in memory of her son, St David's Hospice Care campaigner Jackie Lewis is refusing to stop.
Mrs Lewis, who reached her three year fundraising target earlier this month, has now set herself a new target of £44,444.44, to mark her fourth year of fundraising.
The hospice which provides care to over 2000 people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses across Gwent cared for Mrs Lewis’ son Newport lifeguard Steven Lewis who tragically died of stomach cancer on December 21, 2011. He was aged just 31.
This week, Mrs Lewis joined staff at St David's Hospice on Blackett Avenue, Newport, to announce her target.
Mrs Lewis held up laminated cards showing her next target £44,444.44, and her new permanent hashtag #7fours4steve created by Tom Holden of Newport business Creative Space to promote her fundraising efforts.
She also presented the hospice with a cheque for the £33,333.33.
Speaking to the Argus earlier this month Mrs Lewis said: “We are amazed. When I set the target I just pulled it out of my head without too much thought about how we would achieve it and now it is a reality we are all so excited."
The final donation came from friend Sue Murphy and her work colleagues in the financial department at the South Wales Argus, who rallied around and pulled together an Easter raffle to reach and surpass the target. It took the total to £33,369.88
Tania Ansell, fundraising manager for Newport, said: “We are exceptionally grateful for Jackie’s drive and determination for her fundraising which has been helped along by a team of volunteers.
“We are looking forward to continuing to support Jackie and the team every step of the way throughout the next year.
“Through Jackie’s fundraising we are able to ensure that our hospice care service is available to everyone and anyone at no charge should they need it.”
Mrs Lewis already has a packed calendar of events for 2015.
On FridaY, April 24, a bingo night will be held at the St Julian's Conservative Club at 7.30pm.
Funds will also be raised at an annual three-mile spring bank holiday fancy dress walk on May 25 starting at the Newport Indoor Bowling Centre from12.25pm.
World cyclists Rob Shipley and Ryan Farley will be starting the walk and prizes will be given for the best fancy dress in male/female/under 12 categories.
Participants unable to raise sponsorship can make a £5 donation per family.
Formula E racing driver Sam Bird has signed a red racing cap which will be auctioned for the hospice in eBay in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile this summer’s It's a Knockout swimming event will now be held on the September 6 at 1.15pm, instead of July 12 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mrs Lewis added: “We have another year to fundraise and we are thinking of new ideas to keep everyone interested.
“The hospice needs as much money as they can get.”
For more information on the events contact Mrs Lewis on jaclew50@hotmail.co.uk with the subject heading indicating the enquiry. Alternatively, you can call 01633 665361.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel