A WOMAN paid tribute today to her brave son, who "lived life to the full" despite a debilitating illness.

Jean Henley, of Foxwood, said she was proud of son Mark, who "everyone spoke highly of".

Mark, 20, died peacefully on April 2. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at nine-years-old.

But despite finding out he suffered from the muscle wasting condition, he refused to let the illness control his life.

Mrs Henley said: "He lived life as much as he could. He didn't make a fuss about having muscular dystrophy - for all that he went through.

"He was a private person but everyone loved him. I am very proud of him."

Mark was studying IT at York College and had attended Northfield School and Westfield Primary School.

Mrs Henley added: "He loved new things and technology. All he wanted was a PlayStation 2. Mark always tried to join in."

Mrs Henley paid tribute to the many staff at Martin House Hospice, in Wetherby, who made Mark's occasional visits so enjoyable.

He appeared in an advertising campaign for the hospice, urging people to give money to help ensure that care could continue at the centre.

"He used to love going there. It was his place," Mrs Henley said.

"I want to thank all the staff at Martin House. They have been really good to Mark and to us.

"We had been on holiday in a caravan in Scarborough last week.

"Although Mark's death is not such a shock, we have always believed it was not going to happen."

Mark is also survived by father Mick and younger sister Jenni.

His funeral will be held tomorrow at York Crematorium.

The family has asked for donations to go to the Teenage Unit at Martin House Hospice, in Wetherby.

"We have asked for colourful shirts and no black ties at the funeral," Mrs Henley said.

"I think Mark would have had a little smile at that. He would find it quite funny,"

Updated: 08:59 Wednesday, April 10, 2002