Running in Guy’s memory (From York Press)

Running in Guy’s memory

6:51am Tuesday 3rd February 2009

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FAMILY and friends of an inspirational bone cancer sufferer who battled his illness for six years before it claimed his life are preparing to take part in the York 10K to raise cash for a charity set up in his memory.

Former Fulford School pupil Guy Francis was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg when he was aged 17.

While undergoing a series of operations and chemotherapy, Guy, of Wheldrake, near York, launched a fund to help pioneering research into how it can be treated.

During his third year at the University of Teesside the cancer reappeared in the top two vertebrae of his neck, and despite an operation to remove the affected vertebrae he died in April 2002, aged just 23.

His name has since been kept alive by those who knew him, as they have continued the work of the Guy Francis Bone Cancer Research Fund.

And that work will be boosted when 25 people – including Guy’s parents, Ros and Mike, sister Lucinda and other family members and friends – line up alongside thousands of others on August 2 for the Jane Tomlinson Run For All York 10K.

Guy’s mother, Ros, said: “We have done the Leeds 10K before for the Guy Francis Bone Cancer Research Fund, but it will be nice to have a presence in York – Guy’s home ground – to raise money for the charity and raise awareness of bone cancer.” Despite recovering for a recent hip operation, Ros is determined to make it round the course, even if she simply walks it.

“No one is really a runner in the family – least of all me – but simply to take part in Guy’s memory will be fantastic.

“I know every mother is proud of their children for their achievements, but I really can not put into words what an amazing person Guy really was.

“Despite being so ill he just battled on and was determined to live life to the full, as well as helping raise money for the charity himself such as a tandem parachute jump and abseiling off the Humber Bridge.

“He was truly inspirational. I remember when he knew the cancer was terminal he turned to me and asked if he would be remembered – I think we can truly say he is.”

Since the fund was set up, more than £100,000 has been raised through charity events such as a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, balls and sponsored events.

For more information about its work, log on to www.bonecancerresearch.org.uk People who want to sponsor Guy’s family and friends for the York 10K can visit justgiving.com/york10krunnersforbonecancer.

• IF you are running the 10K and want to let The Press know your story email reporter Jennifer Bell at jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk or send us a video message.

To send a video message, record your story, text York in the main message, attach the video, and text the message to 80360.

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