Tears and smiles

More than 350 mourners were at St Helen's Church, Wheldrake, yesterday for a celebration of the life of 23-year-old Guy Francis, who died of bone cancer last week.

Many stood, and an overflow of at least 50 people, including scores of school and university friends, listened to the service in neighbouring St Helen's House.

Guy's parents, Mike and Ros, his sister, Lucinda, his fiance, Becks Scott, and best friend, Paul Barnes, greeted mourners at the door of the church before the service began.

The service followed the wishes of Guy, of Blake Court, Wheldrake, and included many of his favourite pop songs and his favourite hymn, Sing Hosanna.

Father Christopher Tuckwell, a family friend, opened the service saying: "Today is a day of sunshine and showers, and for us, a day of tears and smiles."

Guy began his battle with cancer five years ago and only 12 days before he died he was told there was no more that could be done.

Father Tuckwell said: "He faced the future and he lived for the present, making the most of every moment of what life had to offer."

Guy, a former pupil of St Olave's, St Peter's and Fulford School sixth form, proposed to his girlfriend over a romantic meal with friends at Pizza Express three weeks ago.

In a brave speech from her she said: "My heart aches and aches and aches for him, but I know I am the luckiest woman in the whole world to have had him."

Guy's father, Mike, said his son grabbed every day and packed it full. He said: "What a remarkable life to celebrate. It is a sobering thought that Guy spent a quarter of his life living with cancer."

The Guy Francis Bone Tumour Research Fund has been set up in his name, and donations can be sent care of Candlelighters - Guy Francis, Children's Day Hospital, St James's University Hospital, Beckitt Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.

- The Evening Press was invited to attend the funeral by the family.

Updated: 11:32 Saturday, May 04, 2002