Thousands attend funeral service of "bucket list" teen Sutton

He helped raised millions of pounds for cancer charities.

Mr Stephen Sutton, 19, made a “bucket list” of wishes after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The list earned him millions of admirers on social media.

He died last month and his funeral was held on Thursday at Lichfield Cathedral in central England.

Thousands of mourners gathered at the cathedral to celebrate the “life of a teenager”, AFP reported.

Mr Simon Fuller, director of services at the Teenage Cancer Trust, spoke at the service, describing it as a “great honour” to have known the teenager.

“I am deeply proud but not surprised by how the local community has pulled out all the stops to make this vigil happen,” he said.

“Stephen’s approach to cancer and his approach to life has inspired more people than we will ever know.”

Mourners filed past the coffin, each giving the thumbs up signal that became Mr Sutton’s trademark.

Celebrities and thousands of people paid tribute following his death.

Singer Barry Manilow described Mr Sutton as “an inspiring and beautiful soul”, while English cricketer Kevin Pietersen said he was “an amazing, selfless and immensely inspirational young man”.

Mr Sutton’s wish-list included completing a skydive and playing drums on the pitch before last year’s Champions League football final at Wembley Stadium.

His efforts have so far raised £4 million (S$8.4 million).

Source: AFP