FRIENDS and family of a York man who died after a courageous battle with cancer have carried out one of his final requests, Hollywood-style.

Guy Francis, of Wheldrake, died in April, aged 23, more than five years after he was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer.

The former Fulford School pupil underwent an operation and chemotherapy but, after a period in remission, further tumours were found in his spine. Eventually, it was decided that his body could stand no more treatment.

Throughout his treatment Guy was cared for by Marie Curie nurses and he helped to organise the Dublin Dash, a fundraising event for Marie Curie Cancer Care. It involves teams getting to Dublin in under 24 hours using various means of transport. Yesterday his father, Mike, was joined by friends, Maggie Kirkland and Debbie Knott, and Marie Curie worker, Susie Fothergill, for the Dublin Dash. This year it had a Hollywood theme, so the team dressed as the Witches of Eastwick, played in the movie by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon, with Jack Nicholson as the devilish Daryl Van Horne.

Mr Francis said: "When Guy was having chemotherapy and was at home it was the Marie Curie nurses that used to come and help him. Then, during the time he was in remission, he went and volunteered for them and organised the Dublin Dash.

"Then of course he died in April, but it was really during the last week that the Marie Curie nurses came into their own. He said to me: 'Father, if you get the chance, can you go on the Dublin Dash for me,' so here I am."

Updated: 09:58 Saturday, September 21, 2002