R.I.P Stephen Sutton.

"A courageous, selfless, inspirational son.."

I am so sad to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. He died peacefully in his sleep as his mum said on the Facebook page.

He was only 19 but he was able to raise more than £3 million for charity using social media.

If you don't know about Stephen already, he was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer at the age 15 and it was terminal. However, he made a 'bucket list' of things he wanted to do before he died. He got to skydive, played the drums in front of a huge crowd before the Uefa Champions League final at Wembley etc. He was back in hospital on Sunday though after having difficulties breathing which turned out to be caused by the regrowth of tumours..

Sadly, his mum posted on Facebook, earlier today: "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.

Love,

His mom x"

This post was shared over 120,000 times (myself included) within an hour of being posts and more donations were given on his online fundraising page, set up in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, the minute the news of his death spread. Apparently the campaign total has risen by £60,000 and possibly even more by now. His original goal was to get £10,000 but his campaign went viral after his posted a selfie online and it attracted media and celebrity attention from the likes of Jason Manford who said Stephen "was the most inspiring person I've ever met and touched more lives than he will ever know. He was an incredibly positive young man and a credit to his family, to Burntwood and to humanity itself." Various other celebrities have paid tribute like the comedian Ricky Gervais and TV presenter/Big Brother winner Rylan Clark.

I'm genuinely saddened to hear his about his death as I have been following it from the beginning via Facebook. He seemed like a warm soul and a genuine caring person. I can't believe he was the same age as me and now he's now longer here, it makes you feel incredibly lucky. He was fantastic in the time that he had, making sure he raised money and ticked things off his bucket list. 

Stephen, you brought the best out of everyone in the little time you had and raised money that can now save a lot of people's lives. Your spirit and legacy will always be remembered. R.I.P <3

Please, if you haven't already, get involved and donate like I have to the Teenage Cancer Trust in Stephen's memory and for others to have a better chance at surviving.

Phone:
Text TEEN to 70300 to donate £3.

Or send your payable cheques to:
Teenage Cancer Trust
93 Newman Street
London

Via website:
Teenage Cancer Trust Website

(There are more options there also on how to donate.)

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.