Stephen Sutton, a terminally-ill teenager, died this week, drawing condolences from many.
Sutton, 19, suffered from bowel cancer and became well-known for his efforts to raise money to fight cancer via the Just Giving charity. He detailed his progress with the illness on social media.
His Just Giving page had about £3.9 million ($6.9 million) raised.
“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,” Sutton’s mom said via Facebook last weeek. “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,” she also added.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who visited Sutton this April, sent out a tweet for him.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration,” Cameron wrote.
Ricky Gervais, the UK comedian, also tweeted: “RIP Stephen Sutton. A true hero & inspiration to us all. #stephensstory.”
His funeral might be held at an old church in the U.K., reported the Mirror.
The Lichfield Cathedral wrote: “We want to express our deepest sympathy and offer our prayers for Stephen Sutton, his family and friends. Should they request it, the full resources and support of the cathedral are available to Stephen’s family, whose wishes are absolutely paramount.”
Earlier AP Update:
Teenage cancer fundraiser dies
LONDON (AP) — Comedian Ricky Gervais and singer Barry Manilow are among those paying tribute to a teenager from central England who inspired a nation to give 3 million pounds ($5 million) to support cancer research.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Stephen Sutton’s mother said he died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday.
Using social media, the 19-year-old with incurable bowel cancer shared a list of the 46 things he wished to do before he died. Urging followers to support the Teenage Cancer Trust as they followed along, he went sky-diving, played drums before a crowd and hugged an elephant.
The page evolved, with Sutton’s goal ultimately being simply to help others.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who had visited him in the hospital, praised his “incredible” efforts.
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