SARAH Fullwood feared her 13-year-old son Lewis - who died in an accident five months ago - would be forgotten by all but his closest relatives and friends.
But the tremendous affection in which the sports-mad Newport teenager was held by hundreds of people who knew him is inspiring her to embrace life again.
Though still grieving for Lewis following a tragic accident at home last April, she is drawing strength from the positive impact he made during his all-too-short life.
That impact was demonstrated at his funeral, which attracted more than 500 mourners and several glowing eulogies, and it has inspired Mrs Fullwood to get involved in helping to organise a roller hockey tournament as a memorial to him.
"It helps me, getting involved in something like this. It's great that people want to do this," she said.
"It means so much to me. It is lovely for me as a mother because my fear was that people would forget him. It's nice, as well, for the children who played with him, a lot of them from very young, to be able to remember him this way. It won't be a morbid occasion."
The tournament, which takes place at Ebbw Vale leisure centre on Saturday, October 8, will be doubly special for Mrs Fullwood because Lewis' brother, Joseph, aged seven, will be taking part in his new role as goalminder.
"He used to play outfield, but since Lewis died he's taken up goalminding, which is what Lewis used to do," said Mrs Fullwood.
"It'll be a special day because now I can take things in a bit more and Joe will be taking part. When he came back to training after the funeral, he said, 'I want to be a goalminder'.
"There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It nearly killed me to see him in the kit. He looked so like Lewis.
"I can't remember much about the funeral, but I can remember seeing all these hockey shirts and rugby shirts (Lewis played rugby for his school, St Joseph's RC High).
"That was a tribute to Lewis because he loved sport and knew lots of people through sport. He was a real character and that's what I'd like people to celebrate at this tournament."
The tournament takes place from 9am-6pm on October 8, and has attracted teams from across Wales.
Youngsters from as far afield as Cardigan, Swansea and Carmarthen will compete against Lewis' former team, Pontypool, and sides from Cardiff, Caerphilly and Caldicot. The aim is to hold the event every year to kick off the roller hockey season.
"The leisure centre has kindly given us the use of the main hall free and we've got £150 from Asda for trophies, which is great. We just need some more help to pay for medals for the children," said Mrs Fullwood.
l Anyone who can help with a donation may contact the tournament organisers through the Argus on 01633 777134.
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