Stephen Sutton, a teenager from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who passed away in May 2014 at the age of 19 after a battle with colorectal cancer, has inspired significant fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Diagnosed with cancer in September 2010, Stephen set out to raise £10,000 for the charity that supported him through his illness. By the time of his death, he had raised over £3 million.
Linchpin to his fundraising was Stephen's bucket list, created after being diagnosed as incurable in 2012, which included ambitions from skydiving to playing drums before a large audience. His story gained viral attention in April 2014 when he posted a "final thumbs up" on Facebook after realizing he could not overcome another setback, which further amplified donations.
Ten years on, Stephen’s legacy has led to over £6 million raised, funding enhancements at NHS hospital units, educational, and research projects dedicated to young cancer patients. His story continues to generate widespread community support and awareness for cancer in young people. Jane Sutton, Stephen's mother, celebrates her son's legacy by undertaking various fundraising activities.