Book remembering Steffan Lewis to be launched at Senedd
A book remembering the life of Assembly Member Steffan Lewis will be launched at the Senedd on Tuesday.
Published in Welsh and English almost a year after his death, Son of Gwent: Cofio Steffan Lewis will include contributions from his family and friends, as well as politicians such as Elin Jones AM, Leanne Wood AM, Carwyn Jones AM and Adam Price AM.
A percentage of the royalty fee from the sales will be given to the Velindre Hospital which looked after Steffan during his illness.
Steffan Lewis was elected Assembly Member for Plaid Cymru in 2016, aged 32. He died of cancer aged 34 in January this year, leaving his wife Shona and their young son.
Personal
“There are some people who create an impression from the very first second; and that meeting stays in the mind throughout the year,” former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Wigley says in his foreword to the book.
“The first time I met Gwynfor Evans and Dr Phil Williams were all examples; and the electrifying effect of these moments have stayed with me until today. Meeting the dear deceased Steffan Lewis is one of those very few but special moments.
“And what is more incredible is the fact that Steffan was barely twelve years old when I met him for the first time in the House of Commons.”
He has been described by Rhuanedd Richards, the editor of the book and a former journalist and a close friend to Steffan as “an old head on young shoulders.”
The book contains material in both Welsh and English, speeches made by Steffan and the remembrances by those who knew him best, including some of the most well-known politicians in Wales, as well as close friends.
As well as the speeches and eulogies, and Steffan Lewis’ interview with Martin Shipton of the Western Mail, there are letters, photos and newspaper clippings which give a more personal account of the politician, son, husband and father.
Son of Gwent: Cofio Steffan Lewis will be launched at the National Assembly for Wales at 6:30pm on Tuesday the 10th of December.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
I first met Steffan at Cilmeri when he was 11 years old and spoke with him and his mother for a considerable time. I and my friends were so impressed by this Gwent youngster, who even at that young age, was so articulate and had such ambition for his country. It was clear in that first encounter that he was destined to play a major role in the Independence struggle! People like Steffan are so hard to replace!
He carried on working in the Senedd after the cancer had already taken hold. Never a strong-looking man , but no shortage of courage.