A teenager who "lived life to the full" was out clubbing just days before he died from cancer.

Sam Foye, a 16-year-old pupil at Witney's Henry Box School, was determined to enjoy a night out with his friends even though was seriously ill.

His dad Patrick Foye told the Oxford Mail: "He was terribly ill, but every now and then he would get out and do what he wanted to do. He was one of those people who was quite inspirational."

His home village church of St James at Aston, near Witney, was packed as 450 friends and relatives attended his funeral.

Sam, of Waites Close, Aston, died of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of cancer, on October 4.

His family said Sam, who played rugby for Witney RFC under-17s, loved sport and embraced life.

Mum Valerie Foye, 51, said: "There were school friends and rugby friends, so many people at the funeral, it was lovely.

"Sam lived life to the full. He would have done his GCSEs this summer but he hadn't been at school properly since Christmas."

Mrs Foye said Sam, who had previously played football and loved fishing, swimming and music, was diagnosed with cancer in June 2005.

She said: "He loved drum 'n' bass music, but also loved all sorts of music, which we had at his funeral.

"One of the things we found inspirational was all of his friends.

"They played a drum 'n' bass piece and they all started singing, which was just fantastic.

"I would like to say how wonderful his friends have been. Young people get put down so much but Sam's friends have been fantastic."

The funeral was held on Thursday. Sam's father said he had gone to a nightclub on the Saturday before he died.

He added: "We have had so many nice letters. One said Sam spent his last year living with cancer, rather than dying from it."

A prayer request board at St Mary's Church, Witney, near Henry Box School, was covered with tributes from friends.

One read: "In memory of Sam Foye, always in our memory. Never forget how amazing and strong he was."

Another stated: "The bravest lad I've ever met, you will always be in my heart."

Rugby coach Matthew Collins said: "Sam was a fine full back who loved his rugby.

"He was a really good player and great socially, he was the life and soul of things and he really will be missed."

A one-minute silence was held before the Witney RFC Colts match last Sunday and the senior side held a one-minute silence on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs Foye have set up a fund for research into non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Donations can be sent to E Taylor & Son, 21 Corbett Road, Carterton, OX18 3LG.