Tributes to a great character (From Penarth Times)

Tributes to a great character

A FORMER St Cyres pupil who died last week following a courageous battle against cancer has been remembered by his school.

Matthew Lewis, 18, of Gelyn Y Cler, Pencoedtre Village, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, in Llandough Hospital.

St Cyres School described him as an outstanding pupil, who will be sorely missed by staff and students alike.

The school said he was always ready to help others and was an inspiration to his friends by his passion and dedication to the RAF.

Matthew had worked from an early age to achieve his lifelong dream of entry to the elite service of the RAF and was due to enrol when struck down tragically in the prime of his life.

A spokesman said: "He contributed greatly to St Cyres with his enthusiasm, excellent manners and infectious good humour.

"Matthew was a great character and those he met could not fail to like, or be impressed by him.

Matthew packed an awful lot into his short life and will be remembered and revered by all his peer group.

"We all give great sympathy to his family and hope that his memories will give some comfort in the future difficult years. He will live on in the thoughts of all his many friends."

Headteacher of St Cyres, Brian Lightman added: "Matthew was the kind of student every school wants to have - conscientious, loyal, enormously courteous and warmly respected by his many friends.

"He set an impressive example to his peers and younger pupils and left us last year with three commendable A-levels. His loss is a tragic waste which has shocked the school community."

The funeral will take place on Monday, November 11, at 10am, at All Saints Church, Penarth.