Cancer charities have paid tribute to Stephen Sutton who died yesterday of incurable bowel cancer, having raised over £3m for the Teenage Cancer Trust, through a social media campaign.
Stephen passed away yesterday morning and his death is front page news today on a number of nationals after his campaign caught the nation's attention. Since his death was announced, his fundraising total on JustGiving has increased by £400,000.
Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Stephen was an exceptional young man and ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust. He will be remembered for his incredible positivity by all who met or connected with him.
“Stephen didn’t measure life in time, preferring instead to measure it by the difference someone makes. Stephen has made an enormous difference to Teenage Cancer Trust and the seven young people diagnosed with cancer every day who need our help.”
The amount of traffic to Sutton’s JustGiving page, which has received over 160,000 donations in total, caused the site to crash yesterday.
Chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, Mark Flannagan, said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has passed away and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Part of Stephen’s legacy is to get people talking about bowel cancer, which is one of the last taboos. Bowel cancer can affect anyone, no matter what their age, so it is vital people are aware of the symptoms.”
Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Care paid tribute to Stephen on Twitter.
A statement from Sutton’s mum on the Stephen’s Story Facebook site said: “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.”
Sutton had left hospital earlier this month having made a dramatic improvement, but was forced to return when he started experiencing difficulties breathing. His family were told that this was due to the re-growth of tumours blocking his airways.
Upon leaving hospital, he had hit back at tweets from donors complaining they had been “duped” by his sudden recovery.
Prime Minister 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.”
Sutton made the below video with the Make a Wish Foundation in order to spread his story and positivity with as many people as possible.
