Brave student Simon Wooller's final wish was granted as more than a hundred mourners defied tradition by wearing brightly-coloured clothes.

And pop music was played at the service yesterday in line with Simon's request that his funeral should not be a sombre affair.

Simon died of cancer just days after receiving a first class honours degree from Bradford University.

At his funeral friends and family said "ciao baby" - a phrase he frequently used - as they paid their last respects.

Mourners gathered early ar Scholemoor Cemetery in Bradford to add colour to the normally bleak surroundings as it had been Simon's last request that black should be banned from his funeral.

Mourners obliged by wearing shocking pink dresses, bright green shirts and leopard skin clothing.

They entered the building to the sounds of pop group The Lighthouse Family and during the service one of Simon's favourite dance tracks was played.

An emotional poem from Simon's 'Auntie Taff' was also read out about the student who kept the true extent of his illness secret from his family as he battled to achieve his degree in has last months.

Part of the poem read: "What do I say. What can I write. To relate his brave heroic fight. His future lay there shining and new. He'd achieved what he'd set out to do.

"He'd struggled through a difficult year. A smile had masked his inner fear. His courage is his testament. His loss will be our sad lament."

The Reverend Stephen Betson said: "It's always traumatic when someone dies, especially someone as young as Simon.

"His achievement and dedication to work, his family and all his friends as well as remarkable courage despite his illness is a tribute to him."

Simon was diagnosed with lymph cancer last November. The cancer spread with tiny growths slowly killing off nerves in his brain. Simon began losing his hearing and sight as his illness worsened.

He was given a year to live - but did not tell parents Roy and Jean, of Fairweather Green, and sister Sara that the cancer was terminal.

Simon continued to study at Bradford University and was awarded a BSc (Hons) first class degree in Physiotherapy and the Alison Walker Memorial Prize for the most outstanding student. He also had a job lined up as a junior physiotherapist in Oldham, Lancashire.

But Simon's condition deteriorated and he died nine days ago in Bradford Royal Infirmary, just five days after finding out the results of his degree.

Mr Betson, reading a moving tribute to Simon from his family, said: "He lived life to the full, giving pleasure to others. He loved and was loved.

"While his life was short he did all he wanted to do. He was a bright light and, had he lived longer, would have shone brighter still."

Simon was a former pupil at Allerton Infant and Middle schools and Rhodesway School, Allerton.

He went to Manchester University where he gained a degree in anatomical sciences and then decided to study for his second degree at Bradford University.

He was a keen actor, swimmer, badminton player and horseman.

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