Stephen's Story: Fundraising careering towards £3million mark
Teenage cancer patient Stephen Sutton is said to be feeling uplifted by news that his fundraising exploits for the Teenage Cancer Trust are hurtling towards the £3 million mark.
Fundraising website JustGiving recently donated £50,000 themselves in recognition of his remarkable exploits.
The 19-year-old's older brother, Chris, spoke on Saturday of Stephen's recent determination even in spite of the collapse of his right lung since it was crushed by tumours.
His 21-year-old sibling said:
Stephen now has trouble talking and up until recently has been forced to wear an oxygen mask to aid his breathing, whilst his mum Jane remains by his side in the Birmingham Teenage Cancer ward.
Back in February 2013, when coming to terms with the realities of terminal cancer,
Stephen said:
His well-documented 'bucket-list' - of 46 activities to do and things to achieve before he dies - included hugging an elephant, crowd-surfing in a rubber dinghy, playing the drums at a Wembley cup final, getting a tattoo and appearing on BBC television drama Doctors.
Such is Stephen's unbreakable sense of humour, he opted for a tattoo of a pair of scissors, cheekily positioned over one of his surgical scars.
The level of public support to help him achieve his goals has been overwhelming. Little over a fortnight ago, Stephen said:
The celebs have come out in force to show their support of the brave teenager, from Burntwood in Staffordshire.
Australian comic Tim Minchin this week penned a song for Stephen, whilst fellow comic Jason Manford's charity gig for the teenager - taking place in Birmingham tonight - sold out in four minutes, prompting him to arrange a second date.
Jimmy Carr and England footballer Frank Lampard are also among those to have offered their support, along with Sarah Millican and Rebecca Adlington.
In a recent message, Stephen thanked his supporters for helping aid his battle with the disease:
Today, Stephen updated the world on his condition via social media network's Twitter (above) and on Facebook, where he described coughing up parts of a tumour that had been putting pressure on his right lung. Nonetheless, his typically uplifting tone continued, writing: