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Thousands give 'thumbs up' for fundraiser Stephen Sutton

Thousands of people have posed with their 'thumbs up' in memory of Stephen Sutton, who raised over £4 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust. A vigil for the teenager is being held at Lichfield Cathedral.

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Dean says Stephen would urge mourners to 'live it up'

The Dean of Lichfield has said he was "glad and proud to be part of the same human race" as fundraiser Stephen Sutton as he paid a special tribute to the teenager at his private memorial service.

"It would be usual now, if this was a church service, to say 'rest in peace' but I can't imagine Stephen doing that," the Dean said as he concluded the service.

"He'd say 'Live it up', so - one more time - let's give him a thumbs up."

Stephen Sutton's mother Jane (centre) sat next to his brother Chris at the service at Lichfield Cathedral. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
The Dean said the 19-year-old had "energised people" and urged them to "live not as a victim but as a free young person". Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
The Dean's address was met with a round of applause after the gathered mourners raised a thumb in Stephen's memory. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

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