THE family of a cancer sufferer who has lost his fight for life have staged a moving tribute at Bolton Wanderers to honour his final wish.

Football fan Michael Devlin, aged 47, refused to give in to lung cancer and set himself four milestones to help him remain positive.

Michael, known as Mick, achieved his third aim when he saw Wanderers escape relegation earlier this year, but sadly he passed away on Sunday just days before reaching his fourth aim -- to see the first World Cup match.

Yesterday his fiance, Julie Emmisson, daughter Dawne, and grand-daughter Brittany paid an emotional journey to the Reebok Stadium with floral tributes to honour the day.

"Mick was a totally dedicated Wanderers fan all his life and he was chuffed to bits when Bolton stayed up," said Julie.

"I asked him what his next milestone was going to be and he said seeing the World Cup. I said 'Not football again' and he just laughed. I had a funny feeling when I stepped into the ground. It was almost as if he was looking over us and felt proud of what we were doing."

Determined Mick, a self-employed builder, of Cawdor Street, Farnworth, started setting himself inspiring milestones after being diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2000. His first aim was to live to see the daffodils alongside St Peter's Way, which he had loved since he was a child living in Halliwell, and he achieved that in the spring.

The second was to reach his 47th birthday on April 10 this year. Mick underwent 36 hours of chemotherapy a week after being diagnosed and he recovered well, but in January he needed more treatment.

His body proved too weak and he died at home. Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral on Thursday.

Julie said: "Mick loved life. He really enjoyed going out for a drink with his friends and he was very popular. He didn't want anyone to be sad or to wear black at his funeral. We wanted to celebrate his life and, with his love of Wanderers, we think this tribute is what he would have wanted."

His family have asked for donations to the British Lung Foundation through Relph's Funeral Service on 01024 523488.