Stephen Sutton's proud legacy to live on in new scholarships

The research scholarships at Coventry University will be named after the 19-year-old from Burntwood in recognition of his tireless campaigning on behalf of the Teenage Cancer Trust as he fought his own battle against the disease.

Around £2.9m will be invested in developing the charity's units across seven cities in England and Scotland and a further £1.2m on training cancer nurses and support staff.

His mother said she is 'immensely proud' of her son's achievements.

The former Chase Terrace Technology College inspired the biggest ever fundraiser the Teenage Cancer Trust has ever had.

Stephen, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 15, became a household name as he approached his disease with good humour and stoicism. His trademark 'thumbs up' sign became a symbol of his positive attitude.

The teenager drew up a 46-item bucket list, including the aim of raising £10,000 for the charity, and started a blog, Stephen's Story. By the time of his death, he had raised millions of pounds and had won the hearts of thousands of supporters - including Prime Minister David Cameron and comedian Jason Manford.

Stephen, who was awarded an MBE for his fundraising efforts, instructed the Teenage Cancer Trust to 'keep doing what they do' but the organisation said that his efforts have allowed them to be more ambitious.

The charity today set out its plans for the £4,961,352 raised in Stephen's name through donations.

Bosses said the Stephen Sutton scholarships were named after the teenager in recognition of his ambition to become a doctor.

Half a million will also be invested in digital information services for young cancer patients and £200,000 will be put towards travel costs for one of the charity's events, Find Your Sense of Tumour, where youngsters with cancer get together to learn about their conditions, make friends and share experiences.

Today Stephen's mother Jane Sutton said: "My son Stephen was courageous and inspirational. His selfless fundraising and positive attitude touched people across the world and the huge outpouring of love and support he received in return was humbling.

"Stephen believed that every young person with cancer has an inspiring story to tell and I know that so many young people in the same position as Stephen also fundraise in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. Stephen was passionate about supporting Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that helped him understand that 'he may have had cancer but cancer didn't have him'.

"This money will make a significant difference to other young people with cancer and that would have made Stephen very happy.

"Stephen showed us how incredibly powerful even very small positive acts can be when lots of people get involved. I'm immensely proud of everything he achieved. We will never forget Stephen, and his positivity will live on through Stephen's Story for Teenage Cancer Trust."

Teenage Cancer Trust chief exectuive Siobhan Dunn said: "Stephen trusted us to spend the money well and this is reflected in our plans. His gift to a charity of our size is more than money - the awareness raised of cancer in young people and new supporters inspired by Stephen will be essential if we are to help every young person who needs us."