AM’s advanced cancer battle
A PLAID Cymru Assembly Member has been diagnosed with the most advanced stage of cancer.
Steffan Lewis AM, 33, who serves the South Wales East constituency, announced on Twitter that he has stage four form of the disease.
In a personal statement, he said: “This week I had the devastating news that CT scan results show that I have stage four cancer. Although the precise nature of the cancer is as yet unknown, it is at an advanced stage. My family and I are still coming to terms with this news but I am determined to fight this illness and to come out the other side.”
He said his family, friends and colleagues are providing him with “incredible support” and are with him “at every step of this journey”.
He added: “I cannot thank staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital enough for the care they are providing me. I will be undergoing further tests in the coming days and a treatment plan will be put together for me. I know I am in the best possible hands to defeat this illness and I am determined to do so. I ask now for the space my family and I need as I undergo treatment.
Mr Lewis, who is the party’s Brexit spokesman, lives in Blackwood with his wife, Shona, and son, Celyn, and was elected to the National Assembly in 2016.
He previously served as a town councillor and is an avid supporter of Celtic Football Club.
Support for Mr Lewis has crossed the political divide, with Welsh Conservatives’ Darren Millar AM stating on Twitter: “Thinking of you and the family at this difficult time, Steffan. Rest assured of my prayers for you all. #staystrong”