#ThumbsUpForStephen: 10,000 Mourners Pay Tribute To Stephen Sutton At Funeral For Cancer Teen Who Moved A Nation | HuffPost

#ThumbsUpForStephen: 10,000 Turns Out For Cancer Teen's Funeral

The Huffington Post UK

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He was the teenager who inspired a nation with his courage and commitment, raising more than £4m for the fight against a disease which took his life. And now 10,000 people have joined a vigil to Stephen Sutton, as his funeral took place at Lichfield Cathedral.

A service marking the end of two days' thanksgiving for Sutton's life at the cathedral was attended by his mother, Jane, brother Chris, and friends, along with a host of celebrities including comedian Jason Manford.

Hundreds gave a 'Thumbs Up' to the memory of the brave 19-year-old campaigner, who succumbed to multiple tumours on May 14 after a determined fight.

Members of the public give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral

The hashtag #ThumbsUpForStephen become the top trend in the UK at 11am with dozens of public figures tweeting to pay their respects.

#ThumbsUpForStephen https://t.co/Lhr8dcx13y @TeenageCancer pic.twitter.com/d3ZfYz75NX
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) May 30, 2014

Cathedral officials confirmed thousands had turned out to view Stephen's white coffin as it lay in a place of honour inside the cathedral in what Dean of Lichfield the Very Revered Adrian Dorber called a "phenomenal" display of human unity, for the man he said "has become everybody's favourite son around here".

Mourners Celebrate Life Of Inspirational Cancer Teen (PICTURES)

The arrival of Stephen's coffin at the cathedral yesterday, where mourners had been asked not to wear black, coincided with news earlier that day that more than £4 million in donations had been pledged in his name to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

His inspiration has prompted a huge public out-pouring of grief with people coming to pay their respects, sign the books of condolence and light candles in his memory.

Story continues below the slideshow

Stephen Sutton Vigil

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(01 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: The funeral cortege of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton as it leaves Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended a vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Stephen Sutton vigil(02 of58)

Stephen Sutton's brother Chris gives a thumbs up as Stephen's coffin stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(03 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public give the thumbs up sign as the funeral cortege of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton leaves Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended a vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Stephen Sutton vigil(04 of58)

Onlookers give thumbs up signs as the funeral cortege for Stephen Sutton makes it way from Lichfield Cathedral following a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(05 of58)

Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (centre left) and his brother Chris Sutton (centre right) prepare to release balloons following the closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (front left) and his brother Chris Sutton (front right) prepare to release balloons following the closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(07 of58)

Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (left) and his brother Chris Sutton (right) following a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(08 of58)

Onlookers watch as the hearse carrying the coffin of Stephen Sutton leaves Lichfield Cathedral at the end of a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(09 of58)

Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (front left) and his brother Chris Sutton (front right) following a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(10 of58)

Onlookers applaud as the hearse carrying the coffin of Stephen Sutton leaves Lichfield Cathedral at the end of a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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Onlookers give a thumbs up sign as the funeral cortege for Stephen Sutton makes it way from Lichfield Cathedral following a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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The coffin of Stephen Sutton is carried from Lichfield Cathedral following a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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Onlookers give a thumbs up sign as the funeral cortege for Stephen Sutton makes it way from Lichfield Cathedral following a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(14 of58)

The funeral cortege for Stephen Sutton makes it way from Lichfield Cathedral following a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(15 of58)

Comedian Jason Manford (right) gives a thumbs up sign at the end of a two day vigil in memory of Stephen Sutton at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(16 of58)

Comedian Jason Manford gives a thumbs up sign at the end of a two day vigil in memory of Stephen Sutton at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(17 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Stephen Sutton's coffin lies in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Joe Giddens - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

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Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (4th left)and his brother Chris Sutton (3rd left) during a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Family and friend gather during a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in memory of Stephen Sutton at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton (2nd right ) and his brother Chris Sutton (right) sit in front of a photograph of him during a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Family and friend gather during a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in memory of Stephen Sutton at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Stephen Sutton's mother Jane Sutton arrives at Lichfield Cathedral for a closing ceremony at the end of a two day vigil in for her son. (credit:PA)

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Yellow ribbons and balloons are placed all over Lichfield town centre in memory of Stephen Sutton as a two day vigil is held at nearby Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(24 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

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Well wishers give a "Thumbs Up" in honour of Stephen Sutton during a two day vigil for him at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Flowers are laid in memory of Stephen Sutton during a two day vigil for him at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Stephen Sutton's brother Chris gives a thumbs up as Stephen's coffin stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(28 of58)

A young girl gives a "Thumbs Up" in honour of Stephen Sutton during a two day vigil for him at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(29 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(30 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(31 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public embrace as they take part in a minute of celebration for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(32 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(33 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(34 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(35 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Members of the public embrace as they take part in a minute of celebration for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton during a vigil at Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended the vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

Stephen Sutton vigil(36 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(37 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(38 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(39 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(40 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(41 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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Messages in the book of condolence for Stephen Sutton ahead of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

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Messages in the book of condolence for Stephen Sutton ahead of a two day vigil in his memory at Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(44 of58)

Well wishers give a thumbs up as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(45 of58)

Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(46 of58)

Well wishers give a thumbs up as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(47 of58)

Well wishers give a thumbs up as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(48 of58)

Stephen Sutton's brother Chris gives a thumbs up as Stephen's coffin stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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Well wishers pay their respects as the coffin of Stephen Sutton stands in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

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A mourner with a yellow rose outside Lichfield Cathedral ahead of a two day vigil in the memory of Stephen Sutton. (credit:PA)

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(left to right) Stephen Sutton's brother Chris, mother Jane and grandfather Tony during a two day vigil at Lichfield Cathedral in his memory. (credit:PA)

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(left to right) Stephen Sutton's brother Chris, mother Jane and grandfather Tony during a two day vigil at Lichfield Cathedral in his memory. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(54 of58)

Yellow ribbons are placed all over Lichfield town centre in memory of Stephen Sutton as a two day vigil is held at nearby Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(55 of58)

Yellow ribbons and balloons are placed all over Lichfield town centre in memory of Stephen Sutton as a two day vigil is held at nearby Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(56 of58)

Yellow ribbons are placed all over Lichfield town centre in memory of Stephen Sutton as a two day vigil is held at nearby Lichfield Cathedral. (credit:PA)

Stephen Sutton vigil(57 of58)

Stephen Sutton's coffin lies in Lichfield Cathedral during a two day vigil in his memory. (credit:PA)

Vigil To Remember Teenage Cancer Fundraiser Stephen Sutton(58 of58)

LICHFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Stephen Sutton's mother Jane and his brother Chris, follow Stephen's coffin as it leaves Lichfield Cathedral on May 30, 2014 in Lichfield, England. Thousands of people have attended a vigil to Stephen, aged 19, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who raised more than GBP 4m for The Teenage Cancer Charity. Stephen died of colorectal cancer on 14 May. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

In a mark of the strength of feeling towards the young man there was spontaneous applause when his coffin arrived at the cathedral borne in a horse-drawn hearse.

The Dean of Lichfield said Stephen's memory had "energised people" both young and old, among them cancer survivors and sufferers, who had patiently filed through the cathedral since yesterday.

He said the enduring lesson of Stephen, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, was "to live not as a victim but as a free young person", adding that his inspiration was to "offer an alternative to the bleak, mean view, we often have of life".

Members of the public shed a tear as they take part in a minute of celebration for the life of teenage cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton

Stephen's former headteacher, Stuart Jones, of Chase Terrace Technology College, said there was "a collective pride" among students and staff at the fact that the teenager had been a pupil at the school.

He added: "It is hard to comprehend how he found the courage, determination and energy to achieve what he did in his last few years."

These achievements, brought together in a bucket list, included urging Jones to join him in a 15,000ft skydive.

"I hated it, as I expected, but am really glad I did it," he said. "His spirit makes us want to be bolder and braver."

Members of the public take part in a minute of celebration and give the 'thumbs up' sign

Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "What really matters is what you do with the time you have. The difference Stephen has made has been immeasurable."

She said the charity would spend the donations "supporting and developing" the trust's 22 UK units, services, outreach nursing units, and youth support workers.

"Young people should not be defined by their cancer," she said, adding that the charity would continue to work under Stephen's ethos that "while he may have cancer, cancer did not have him".

SEE ALSO
Stephen Sutton's Last Holiday Snaps Revealed As Fundraising Soars Past £4m
Thank You Stephen - How You Can Continue His Legacy
Stephen Sutton Tells Of Anger At Doctors Who Misdiagnosed His Cancer As Constipation

She said Stephen's "positivity" was a driving force which meant his memory "lives on in what we do".

"How fitting it is a young person with cancer proved the catalyst to supporting many more young people with cancer, now and in the future."

Concluding the service, the Dean said he was "glad and proud to be part of the same human race which had as one of its examples Stephen Sutton".

He added: "It would be usual now, if this was a church service, to say 'rest in peace' but I can't imagine Stephen doing that.

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

A service marking the end of two days' thanksgiving for Sutton's life at the cathedral was attended by his mother, Jane and brother Chris

The teenager's simple determination to live his life, while under the constant shadow of life-limiting bowel cancer - creating a bucket list and spreading awareness to other young people - saw a campaign to raise £10,000 gain rapid momentum.

Before his death, Stephen, who was diagnosed aged just 15, said: "I don't see the point in measuring life in terms of time any more.

"I'd rather measure life in terms of making a difference."

It was that attitude which earned the highest praise and admiration, including from celebrities like Russell Brand, Simon Cowell and Ricky Gervais.

Prime Minister David Cameron went to meet Stephen while in hospital, and following his death, said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died.

"His spirit, bravery and fund-raising for cancer research were all an inspiration."

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