The memory of high-flying cancer victim Alex Boag is living on through a hospital research project and a scholarship for talented young students at his old school.

And his father spoke today of his hope that the success of his son's memorial fund will inspire other families affected by the disease to help the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can... Cancer Research Appeal, which aims to raise £1 million.

Alex, who grew up in Bingley, attended Bradford Grammar School and went on to gain a double first class honours degree at Oxford, for whom he also played rugby, and an MBA at Chicago's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

But the 29-year-old, a senior associate with a top London business consultancy firm, died in November 1998 following a brave, two-year battle against sarcoma, a rare but aggressive cancer of the body's soft tissues.

Following his death, his sister Philippa Boag-Sharland and his girlfriend Nicola Franks launched the Alex Boag Sarcoma Fund, raising £50,000.

The cash has enabled Lond-on's Royal Marsden Hospital, where Alex died, to boost pioneering gene research into sarcoma by appointing a post-doctoral research scientist and buying a micro-array scanner.

Mr Boag, of Bingley, said: "The memorial fund's been very successful and hopefully it will show other people what can be achieved, even by a small group of family and friends, for cancer research and inspire them to help the Bradford Can... Appeal.

"The T&A's fighting a tremendous battle with the Bradford Can... Appeal and it's something Alex would have supported whole-heartedly himself. When he was diagnosed with sarcoma he found out everything he could about it and took part in trials. The appeal is something he would have loved to have taken part in.''

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Sarah El-Abdli, of Greengates, is being educated at Bradford Grammar School thanks to Alex. Interest from an endowment, made by Nicola Franks with money left to her by Alex, will help fund her place until she leaves school - when another beneficiary will be chosen.

Head Stephen Davidson said: "Alex made a tremendous impression here and he's one of those lads nobody ever has a bad word to say about. ''

Sarah's mother Ann said: "She adores the school but financially she wouldn't have been able to go if it wasn't for this scholarship. She's very proud to be the recipient of a bursary in Alex's name.''

lThe Fields Sports and Social Club in Lidget Green is kicking off a series of fundraising events in aid of the appeal on Saturday. Comedian Carl Schofield starts the line up at 7.30pm and will be followed by tribute band Three Times a Lady. Further events are planned culminating in an It's a Knockout contest in July.

Ticket's for Saturday's concert cost £4 and will be on sale at the club this week between 7pm and 9pm. Alternatively call (01274) 571750 or buy them on the door.