FRIENDS of York cancer victim Chris Nelson have paid tribute at her funeral to her courageous battle for life.

And her husband, Allan, thanked mourners for raising thousands of pounds to help Chris in her bid to beat the disease.

The 57-year-old Heworth woman used expensive complementary therapy, which at one stage involved taking up to 200 tablets or capsules a day. Funeral celebrant Ann Spencer said Allan was totally convinced that the treatment had given Chris several months of extra life.

She said fundraising events, organised by Chris's friend and former Nestl Rowntree colleague, Jean Boggan, had ranged from quiz nights and sponsored events to belly dancing competitions.

Chris died earlier this month at St Leonard's Hospice after the cancer eventually affected her lungs, and her funeral was held yesterday afternoon at York Crematorium, attended by many former Nestl colleagues. Ann said Chris had worked at Rowntree since 1972, having risen to a senior position in occupational health. Her door had always been open and Chris had been like an "agony aunt."

Jean Boggan said there had been "great support" from many people for the fundraising efforts that Chris "was always cheerful."

Another friend, Lesley Hodge, said: "She had a brilliant sense of humour. She was always so open and happy and always willing to lend a hand."

Updated: 10:24 Tuesday, April 26, 2005