Stephen Sutton's mother to climb Kilimanjaro for cancer charity

Stephen Sutton's mother will climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Jane Sutton, the mother of the late charity campaigner Stephen Sutton, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October to continue her son's fundraising legacy.

Mrs Sutton said that Stephen's enthusiasm for life had influenced her decision to commit to the trek.

Proceeds from the climb will go towards the charity that helped Stephen through his illness, the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Stephen's fundraising campaign has now raised over £5.5 million for charity. Credit: Stephen Sutton/PA Wire

Stephen Sutton was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 15 in 2010.

He died three and a half years later in May 2014, after his "bucket list" campaign went viral, and overwhelming public support raised millions of pounds for the charity. Stephen continued to take part in fundraising events until just three days before his death.

Stephen's campaign has continued to generate donations, which now stand at over £5.5 million.

Teenage Cancer Trust's director of fundraising and marketing, Kate Collins, hailed Mrs Sutton as "every bit as inspiring as her son".

She said: "She shows such incredible determination and hasn't stopped spreading Stephen's unique message of positivity."

Jane Sutton hopes to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in early October. Credit: John Stillwell / PA Wire/PA Images

Mrs Sutton has also taken up the mantle of updating Stephen's original campaign page on Facebook, Stephen's Story.

She said: "I didn't use social media prior to Stephen passing away. If I wanted to contact a friend, I'd pick up the phone or text them. But the reaction to Stephen's passing was astonishing and so positive, so I felt compelled to continue his blog."

Jane Sutton is hoping to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro on October 9.

Those wishing to donate can visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/climbkilimanjaro or text STEPHEN to 70500 to give £5 towards the challenge.