About STEVEN LEE

Steven was born on the 20th of October 1995, the much loved younger brother to Alison, Maxine, Danny, Rachel and Leanne.

As the youngest, Steven had the advantage of the example set by his brother and sisters. Early on he found Rachel’s old keyboard in the attic and began to play. Piano lessons were arranged and he progressed through his grades quickly. To say Steven loved learning is to understate it – he had a zest for learning and he wanted to share his talents. By the time he was sixteen he had gained teaching qualifications and had a couple of regular pupils. 

Although piano was an enduring love, Steven he also had a taste for adrenalin and a need for speed – early on he built and raced model cars and as soon as he was able, he acquired his first motorbike.

But two wheels weren’t quite enough and, with his mind set on higher things, he enrolled in the Air Training Corps at age 13. He displayed the right qualities and was nominated for the annual gliding scholarship by his commanding officer – winning that coveted prize and following up by being awarded the flying scholarship the next year. He loved flying and was, in the words of his commanding officer “A credit to his squadron and to himself.” He gained the Queen’s Commission and became a pilot officer and continued volunteering with the ATC.

For Steven, being passionate about something naturally led to consideration of how he could share the joy of it, and so he began training for his instructor’s qualification – was sponsored by the owner of the flight school to complete it and then worked as an instructor at Mersey Flight school and later in Swansea.

After two years at Sir John Deane’s 6th form college studying Biology, Physics and Chemistry, Steven enrolled at JMU to do a biology degree and moved to Liverpool, with his mind set on a career in medicine. 

The next four years were spent studying, working and going on holiday whenever he was able. He travelled widely and had a blast, especially enjoying the thrills of wild camping. After his degree he took a job at King’s Bishop in Chester as a lab technician – he did his job and more – taking time to support some of the less confident learners – wanting to build people up and share his skills. Whilst at Chester he met his beloved girlfriend Sophie who was at college there.

Steven then took the opportunity to do a masters in Human Immunology at Liverpool University – staying in Halls as a residential advisor to save a bit of money. By now he’d managed to turn his photography hobby to use, building a portfolio and reputation as a reliable and competent wedding photographer. But he had never lost sight of his aim to study medicine and we can imagine the pleasure with which he enrolled at Swansea to do his Medical degree; such was his enthusiasm, it extended to Sophie who decided on nursing as a career. She remembers Steven’s focus on medicine was immersive, how he’d download talks and demonstrations to watch when he was away.

Steven himself was no slouch when it came to instructional videos – with such classics as the driving lesson known as ‘Socks and Crocs’ to his name – memorable for the socks, the Crocs and the odd accent – and also for the fact that he appeared to have cleared most of the litter, the KFC wrappers, old receipts and accumulated junk out of his car to make it. Steven had many very fine qualities, but tidiness definitely wasn’t among them.

Once in Swansea he set about making himself at home, loved walking on the Gower or exploring the valleys. He also formed a choir, originally consisting of trainee doctors but then extending to paramedics, nurses and other disciplines, nurturing community in the process. During lockdown the choir had to meet by Zoom, but it kept going and with a bit of fundraising it grew and became a wonderful group which still exists today. 

During his medical training and on placements Steven delivered close to thirty babies, including one in the ITU. He was a man who always rose to the occasion, never flustered, always in command of his thought process, transferring his skills and knowledge to be calm under pressure. He performed fairly complex operations, under the watchful eye of qualified staff, and was, on one occasion required to lead the team when a patient arrested and the junior doctors present weren’t sure what to do. 

In recognition of Steven’s hard work and seemingly limitless potential he has been posthumously awarded his doctorate by Swansea University, which his family have recently accepted on his behalf: his sister Rachel described the ceremony afterwards as the most bittersweet of occasions. 

Steven’s life was lived to the absolute fullest and he acheived so much in the time he had. He was able to help, support and contribute to the lives of so many people and did not hesitate to do so. We remember him as a loving son, adored little brother, entertaining uncle, wonderful partner and a great friend. He will always be missed.