Washington, Aug 26 (IANS/EFE): American journalist James Foley had sent a personal message to his family through a fellow hostage who was freed just days before the reporter was decapitated by Islamic State (IS) jihadis in Syria.

"Granny, please take your medicine, take walks and keep dancing. I plan to take you out to Margarita's when I get home. Stay strong because I am going to need your help to reclaim my life," Efe quoted Foley as saying in his message to his family.

Foley had made one of his fellow captives memorise the personal message, which his family published on facebook page "Free James Foley" after his death.

Abducted by militants in Syria in November 2012, Foley was beheaded by the IS as shown in a video released online early last week by the militant group.

Since his abduction, his family had no news of Foley until Nov 26, 2013, when they received a message from his captors demanding money and the release of jihadi prisoners in the US in exchange for his life.

The message sent through a fellow captive was received in June this year.

"I remember going to the mall with Dad, a very long bike ride with Mom. I remember so many great times that take me away from this prison. Dreams of family and friends take me away and happiness fills my heart," Foley said further in the message.

The US journalist was kidnapped on his way to the Turkish border, and although at first it was thought he was in the hands of pro-government militia, it was later revealed that he was kidnapped by IS jihadis in Syria.