'He touched more lives than he'll ever know' - Stephen Sutton dies after cancer battle

Tributes flooded in from around the world today after the death of Stephen Sutton, the inspirational teenager who raised millions for charity.

The 19-year-old from Burntwood captured the hearts of millions around the world as battle the terminal illness.

But today his mother Jane released a brief statement confirming he had passed away on Wednesday morning

She 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. Love, his mom x".

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met the youngster in hospital earlier this year, said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration."

Labour leader Ed Miliband added: "Tragic news that Stephen Sutton has passed away. His bravery & determination to live life to the full was an inspiration to us all."

Stephen with comic Jason Manford, who was instrumental in raising awareness of the youngster's campaign

Jason Manford, who befriended Stephen and helped him raise huge sums of money, said this afternoon: "Stephen Sutton 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.

"The reason we took to him so passionately was because he was better than us, he did something that none of us could even imagine doing.

"In his darkest hour he selflessly dedicated his final moments to raising millions of pounds for teenagers with cancer.

"Some of Stephen's words will stay with me and others forever and they are words to live by 'life isn't measured in time, it's measured in achievements'.

"If that's true Stephen, then you had a fulfilling life full of special moments and you will live long in the memory of thousands if not millions of people."

Stuart Jones, headteacher of Chase Terrace Technology, where Stephen studied between 2006 and 2013, said: "Those of us who have known Stephen Sutton feel very privileged to have done so.

"Stephen was academically brilliant, an excellent sportsman and a talented musician. He was also a caring, modest, creative young person with a great sense of fun.

"One of Stephen's 'bucket list' activities was the wish to do a sky-dive and he asked staff and students at the school to join him in a sponsored jump. Sky-diving was also on a list of mine ... a list of things I never wanted to do! I could not refuse Stephen, who asked me personally, and I'm pleased that I did it, though I'll never do another one!

"The resilience and strength of character that Stephen has shown over the last couple of years is extraordinary. He had to face setback after setback as the cancer spread and amazed us all with his ambition and determination to reach his goals.

"The school and the wider community of Burntwood are immensely proud of what Stephen achieved. To the students here, he's the Stephen who has been talking to them in assemblies and in our neighbouring primary schools, explaining how doing good deeds for other people makes you feel better when times are tough. Stephen was the guest of honour at our Presentation Evening this year and we presented him with an award for being an inspiration to the school and wider community.

"Although Stephen was not on roll at the school last year, he was in school most weeks, catching up with staff and friends. Even on his crutches, he would often get involved in some sixth form 5-a-side football on a Tuesday afternoon. He also used an office, as HQ for his fundraising efforts. It has been amazing for us to track the progress he has made with his Teenage Cancer Trust fund-raising operation, to a total that is over £3 million and still rising.

"Stephen developed a deep understanding of what's important in life. We will miss him enormously but he leaves an amazing legacy and we believe that is fitting for us to focus our attention on celebrating his life. Stephen is the most exceptional personal I have ever known."

The Teenage Cancer Trust, who Stephen has raised more than £3.2m for so far, said this afternoon: "We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved and continues to achieve for us.

"The thoughts of everyone here at Teenage Cancer Trust are with Stephen's family and friends."

In just 35 minutes today, the total donated to Stephen's appeal shot up by £30,000 (Click here to see the latest total and to make a donation)

Last month, a touching video chronicling Stephen's story was posted to YouTube:

On Wednesday, Twitter was flooded with tributes to the youngster, and his mother's Facebook post announcing the death was viewed tens of thousands of times in just a few minutes.

Tributes to Stephen