Parents raise cancer funds (From Penarth Times)

Parents raise cancer funds

A FORMER-St Cyres pupil who died just weeks after realising his dream of joining the RAF was remembered last week.

Nineteen-year old Matthew Lewis was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in September, 2002. His illness was severe and the Penarth ATC 148 Squadron cadet died on October 30.

His parents David and Jill, of Pencoedtre Village, were determined to raise awareness of this killer disease and pay tribute to their son.

With the help of the Cross Keys pub in Dinas Powys, his parents and sisters Kate, 16, and Alexandra, 13, held a charity night on Thursday, February 20 for Lymphoma Research.

Nurse Jill, 44 said: "This form of cancer is the most common among young people aged between 16 and 26, and is considered the most easily treatable, but Matthew was not fortunate.

He was a clean living lad who never smoked, stayed fit and was very healthy.

In fact, six weeks before his diagnosis he passed the RAF fitness test."

In honour of Matthew, the night was organised by his employer Sam Morgan, manager of the Cross Keys. Sam said: "Matthew was very well liked.

When he died, I wanted to raise awareness of lymph cancer.

It took just a few months to get over 70 raffle prizes and eight auction lots from local businesses and people."

David, 48, also a nurse, added: "Matthew's funeral was attended by 700 people and tonight has shown again how well he was liked.

We had a raffle and auction, and a sing-a-long, where money was donated to entice singers.

It's been a great night and everyone has been so generous.

In total, we've collected around £5,000.

If anyone wants to add a donation, contact Sam in the Cross Keys on 029 2051 6001"