Church of England offers Lichfield Cathedral for Stephen Sutton funeral

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Stephen Sutton's funeral is expected to be held at Lichfield Cathedral following public demand Credit: BPM Media (Midlands)

The Church of England has offered Lichfield Cathedral to the family of inspirational teenager Stephen Sutton as they look for a funeral venue.

The medieval building is not far from the family's home in Burntwood, Staffordshire.

Such is public fondness for the 19-year-old, following his heroic fundraising efforts, there were calls on social media for the service to be held there, as it is thought to be the only venue big enough in the region to cope with the huge number of mourners expected to attend.

A spokesman for Lichfield Cathedral said:

One tweet, from a Lichfield-based churchgoer read:

Also among suggestions from the public have been requests for a state funeral; usually reserved for people of national significance and importance. The last person to receive a state funeral, was former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Whilst requests for a statue of the cancer victim in Burntwood are also gaining momentum, with area councillor Eric Drinkwater stating:

During his time fundraising, Stephen visited the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street Credit: BPM Media (Midlands)

Cradley Heath based memorial company Quality Memorials have offered Stephen's family a free headstone, whilst the teenager is also set to be remembered on Birmingham Broad Street’s Walk of Stars.

Broad Street boss Mike Olley said he had been “inundated” with demands for the charity fundraiser to receive recognition for his battle against cancer.

Sutton's fundraising total, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, now stands at a remarkable £3.7million and is expected to reach the £4million mark.

Stephen's incredible fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust is hurtling towards the £4million mark Credit: Just Giving

Chief Executive for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Siobhan Dunn said:

Before the tumours in his lungs rendered him speechless, Stephen posted a thank you message on his Facebook page Credit: BPM Media (Midlands)

Queues also formed at his old school, Chase Terrace Technology College, which opened hours after he died early on Wednesday as mourners waited to sign a book of condolences.

A spokeswoman for the college said: