Lichfield Cathedral lined up for Stephen Sutton funeral

Stephen Sutton's funeral could be held at Lichfield Cathedral, it emerged today as hundreds of floral tributes are laid outside his former school.

The carpet of flowers outside Chase Terrace Technology College is spreading in memory of the inspirational 19-year-old while the total raised for his charity fund edges closer to £4 million.

And as calls were growing for his funeral to be held at the cathedral, bosses said they would offer it as a venue to his family.

A cathedral spokesman said: "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 Lichfield Cathedral are available to Stephen's family, whose wishes are absolutely paramount."

Tributes have continued to pour in for Stephen, who died on Wednesday, and events are being held across the West Midlands in the coming days in his memory.

A petition has been launched for a ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital to be renamed after him.

Craig Harrison, of Birmingham, who launched the petition, said: "Stephen did more than any single person in history to raise funds and crucial awareness for the Teenage Cancer Trust - for all of his efforts and dedication in the most extreme of personal difficulties is something many of us - myself included - couldn't begin to contemplate. I feel this honour would be a small way of saying thank you for all he did and achieved."

It has also emerged a memorial is being planned by council chiefs.

Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins has asked staff to explore how best to 'capture' Stephen's 'aspiration and spirit' with a monument likely to be based in his home town of Burntwood.

It is not known what form the memorial will take or when actual plans are likely to be revealed.

But councillors in the authority have backed the sentiment.

Councillor Atkins said: "I have asked officers how we can capture the aspiration and spirit that Stephen showed with a lasting legacy in the county."

He added: "He will be remembered not just for the millions of pounds he raised, but for his remarkable spirit, bravery and sheer selfless determination to help other young cancer sufferers.

"Stephen's story is truly an inspirational one and the county shares in the absolute sadness of losing one of Staffordshire's most courageous sons at such a young age. He has left an extraordinary legacy."

Councillor Sue Woodward, who represents Burntwood, welcomed councillor Atkins announcement and called on people to keep on donating to Stephen's chosen charity the Teenage Cancer Trust.

She said: "Stephen is a hero and has brought the community together more than any councillor has been able to achieve over the years.

"I thank the leader for his suggestion which is something I'm sure we will all support.

"Meanwhile the best way to keep Stephen's legacy alive is to keep donating to the Teenage Cancer Trust."

A book of condolence is open Stephen's former school at Chase Terrace Technology College in Bridge Cross Road.

Among the events happening in his memory this week end include two football matches tomorrow raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

A ladies football match will kick off at 11.30am and the men's match will kick off at 1.30pm.

Many of the men involved in the match knew Stephen personally as they attended Chase Terrace Technology College.

There is also a number of fun day events taking place including live music, a raffle, a bouncy castle and stalls.

The matches take place at Burntwood Rugby Club, The Sportsway, Burntwood. Admission costs £1.

And a huge paintballing session will take Bassetts Pole near Lichfield tomorrow which Stephen had planned to be attending.

Nearly 80 people have bought tickets for the event while another 300 people are already due to be at the venue.

One of the organisers is Stephen's friend Lee Woodward and £1,400 has already been raised from the event for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Stephen passed away on Wednesday after a heroic battle with terminal cancer.

He captured everyone's imagination with his inspirational attitude to life and his bucket list of 46 things to do before he died.