A YORK mother told today of the remarkable courage of her son, who inspired all around him during a five-year battle against cancer.

Even when he learned he had only a short time to live, Guy Francis still packed as much as he could into his final days.

Two-and-a-half weeks ago, Guy, 23, of Wheldrake, was told his body could not stand any more treatment. He died peacefully at home12 days later.

The day after he was given the shattering news, he became engaged to his long-term girlfriend, Rebecca Scott, 22, from Fulford over a romantic meal with friends.

The following day the couple celebrated with his parents, Michael and Rosalyn, and his sister, Lucinda.

Then Guy, a Middlesbrough football fan, Lucinda, and friends hired a stretch-limousine to take them to Manchester to watch his team play in the FA Cup semi-final.

His mother, Rosalyn, said: "He packed in so much. He was so positive and fought until the very end. He was a true inspiration to us all."

His fight began the day before his 18th birthday when he was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, in his leg. His thigh and knee bones were replaced and he underwent months of chemotherapy under Dr Ian Lewis, the oncologist at the teenage unit at St James's University Hospital. He then went into remission and lived a normal life packed with cancer care fundraising.

He had to repeat his final A-Level year at Fulford School, where he passed his exams and met Rebecca, who is known as Becks. He was previously a pupil at St Olave's and St Peter's schools in York.

He then went to the University of Teesside to study marketing. But last year further tumours were found in the top of his spine and he underwent a 16-hour operation to replace his top vertebrae and remove the cancerous areas.

His surgeon, Gerry Towns, consultant neurologist at Leeds General Infirmary, today praised Guy's courage.

He said: "He really was a courageous young man. His attitude was incredibly positive."

Mr Towns replaced the malignant bone with a titanium cage filled with Guy's bone matter in a pioneering operation, and has since used Guy's case study in lectures all over the world.

Guy continued with his final year despite just recovering from chemotherapy and the operation, but began developing headaches a few months ago.

A further tumour was found - but this time the hospital said that his body could not take any more treatment.

Just days before he died, the University of Teesside awarded him his degree on merit, although he had not quite finished his dissertation. Staff also arranged a special ceremony for him last Friday, but sadly he died two days earlier.

His parents, together with 40 family and friends, attended on his behalf and were presented with his university hood.

At Guy's request, a celebration of his life will take place on Friday at St Helen's Church, Wheldrake, at 2pm. The Guy Francis Bone Tumour Research Fund has been set up in his name, and donations can be sent to: Candlelighters - Guy Francis, Childrens Day Hospital, St James University Hospital, Beckitt Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.

Updated: 11:24 Tuesday, April 30, 2002