Fundraiser launched for musical star Ben Lewis following inoperable bowel cancer diagnosis

A fundraiser has been launched for West End star Ben Lewis, known for his work in Australia and the UK, who is currently undergoing treatment for incurable bowel cancer.

Lewis has played a coterie of major roles across the world, appearing in the long-running West End production of The Phantom of the Opera and playing the Phantom in the original Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies.

Other West End credits include Larry in Marianne Elliott’s award-winning production of Company (photographed above) as well as the UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard,

Diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2023, Lewis recently stopped chemotherapy after the continued spread of the cancer. He is now undergoing targeted inhibitor treatment to slow the cancer’s progression. Treatment side effects have included severe neuropathy in his hands and feet.

Alongside managing his own diagnosis, Lewis has also been the full-time carer for his wife, Melle Stewart. A new GoFundMe campaign has now been launched to assist with medical expenses, palliative care, and future support for Stewart.