The mother of 19-year-old Stephen Sutton, whose inspirational social media campaign raised millions of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, announces he has died.
Writing on his Facebook page, his mother wrote: “My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May.
“The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.
“We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many.”
The thoughts of everyone here at Teenage Cancer Trust are with Stephenâ??s family and friends #stephensstory
— Teenage Cancer Trust (@TeenageCancer) May 14, 2014
Stephen, who was diagonsed with cancer at the age of 15, had set out to raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust through his JustGiving page. But after various celebrities retweeted his story, using the hashtag #stephenstory, the total raised soared to over £3.25m.
My cancer has given me the opportunity to do something truly remarkable – and educate people about the disease Stephen Sutton
Responding to the news of his death, the Teenage Cancer Trust tweeted: “We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved and continues to achieve for us”.
David Cameron tweeted: “I’m deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration”
I’m deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 14, 2014
Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, described Stephen as “the most inspiring young man and ambassador for the charity.”
Stephen himself said “I don’t think about my future and feel sorry for myself. In fact I feel the opposite. My cancer has given me the opportunity to do something truly remarkable – and educate people about the disease.”
News of his death saw another surge of donations to Stephen’s JustGiving page, bringing the total raiased to over £3.4m.
To donate, visit: JustGiving.com/Stephen-Sutton-TCT