Dear Atria,
As you probably know from the News, Stephen Sutton passed away today, aged 19. I am very saddened by this news. Describing this young man as an inspiration is an understatment. I cannot find the right words to tell you about this increadible human being, an exaple to follow for all of us. I don't know how much you know about Stephen's story, but you can find out more on Stephen's Facebook page or on his website stephensstory.co.uk
Stephen Sutton has been battling cancer since the age of 15. On January 13th 2013, shortly after finding out his disease was incurable, Stephen made a Facebook page called “Stephen’s Story”. On the page he outlined a bucketlist of 46 things he wanted to achieve in the near future. Since creating the page Stephen’s following has grown exponentially and he has inspired thousands of others with his positivity and passion for life. He has achieved more than most would in a lifetime; resulting in him winning countless awards in recognition of his inspirational work, taking part in a Guinness world record, and most notably he has raised over £3 million for charity in just over a year. This is not a sob story, this is Stephen’s Story!
This is what he said on his Facebook page just on the 8th May:
"For a while now, I’ve always viewed “Stephen’s Story” as a platform that I can use to try and spread as much positivity and empowerment as possible from. I’ve always described my cancer as a kick up the backside that has taught me some good life lessons, so I guess the aim has just been trying to pass those lessons and motivation I’ve gained on to others.
I’ve got lots of people asking how they can help ‘me’ personally and the answer is… I’m not quite sure, I’m really quite happy with things at the moment. The support I have is absolute immense and is hugely appreciated. Realistically though, the support I’ve got is probably a bit inflated relative to what I deserve. What I mean is that there are other young people out there with cancer who are battling as hard as me who deserve similar support, in fact there’s other people battling other illnesses too, and then there’s other people who may need support for whatever reason.
I’ve had lots of people asking me about the bucketlist and generously offering to help me tick items off it, but for a long time now the list has took a bit of a backseat- I’m quite content whether I tick another thing off it or not you see.
I’m not quite sure where this status is going now. I guess I just want to outline and reiterate that the goal of this page for all the new people who have started following recently. All the updates will still be from me and relating to my journey; whether it be some motivational thoughts (I’ll try not to be too preachy haha), updates about fundraising events I’ve organised or am organising, a particular campaign etc, or just anything I think may be cool or useful to share. Underlying everything though will be the goal of helping others, as I find it very rewarding and fulfilling "
And that's what Stephen said about his cancer:
"I was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2010. I then have had periods of remission and relapse, before doctors eventually described my disease as incurable in November 2012. Throughout this time I have underwent all manner of treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc) that have helped treat and prolong my life. The spread of my disease since has been steady and quite unique; I actually I see myself as very fortunate- despite being incurable for a while I have had a sustained period of very good health where I was able to go out and enjoy things thoroughly, which I did (check outhttp://stephensstory.co.uk/timeline/).
But, my disease is still here and still growing- for example, for a while tumours have meant my left leg is now useless and I rely on crutches to mobilise, and I am also on morphine and other nerve pain meds 24/7. Recently, more and more things have started going wrong with my body and it’s clear we are now facing a new stage of the ‘journey’.
Every cancer journey is different, but I’ve always thought an advantage of mine was that it should be pretty predictable- i.e. cancer is pretty slow growing; I don’t suddenly wake up one day feeling extra ‘tumoury’!! In terms of coping, this helps me hugely. The recent period in hospital I’ve had though, and the acuteness and speed my problems came on, show just how fragile my health still is, or rather how brutal cancer can still be.
The recovery I’ve made is quite miraculous; I can barely believe it myself. It really was touch and go on a few occasions, but somehow I managed to hang in there. After coughing up a tumour (which I’ll admit sounds completely farfetched!), symptomatically and clinically I have been very healthy- and there’s no reason that shouldn’t continue for a while.
For how long, we don’t really know. I see my professor next Friday where we will have a good ol chat about the whole situation and future plans.
Ultimately, there is no miracle cure for me. I am potentially the most positive and optimistic person in the world, but we have to be realistic with what we are up against. My disease is very advanced and will get me eventually, but I will try my damn hardest to be here as long as possible. I haven’t died yet, the journey continues, so I guess I’m needed a bit longer
Stephen's 'thumbs up' farewell mesage reads:
It's a final thumbs up from me! I've done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.
It's a shame the end has come so suddenly- there's so many people I haven't got round to properly thank or say goodbye too. Apologies for that.
There was also so many exciting projects and things I didn't get to see out. Hopefully some will continue and if you want to carry on the fundraising please do (justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT
is the link to donate to).
All future updates on this page will probably be from a family member. I hopefully may have the energy to write a few tweets (@_StephensStory). I will continue fighting for as long as I can, and whatever happens next I want you all to know I am currently in a good place mentally and at ease with the situation.
That's it from me. But life has been good. Very good.
Thank you to my mum and the rest of my family for everything. Thank you to my friends for being amazing. Thank you to my medical team for the hard work and effort they've continually they've put towards me. And thank you everyone else for sharing this wonderful journey with me.
I love you all x
I don't know what more can I say, dear Atria... You can read Stephen Sutton's increadible journey in his own worlds on his website. He touched many people, he inspired milions and he raised over £3 milion for a Charity to help others suffering from cancer. Such a short life but how meaningfull! He won't be forgotten; his legacy will stay with us.
Life is not measured in time. It is measured in achievements.
As you probably know from the News, Stephen Sutton passed away today, aged 19. I am very saddened by this news. Describing this young man as an inspiration is an understatment. I cannot find the right words to tell you about this increadible human being, an exaple to follow for all of us. I don't know how much you know about Stephen's story, but you can find out more on Stephen's Facebook page or on his website stephensstory.co.uk
Stephen Sutton has been battling cancer since the age of 15. On January 13th 2013, shortly after finding out his disease was incurable, Stephen made a Facebook page called “Stephen’s Story”. On the page he outlined a bucketlist of 46 things he wanted to achieve in the near future. Since creating the page Stephen’s following has grown exponentially and he has inspired thousands of others with his positivity and passion for life. He has achieved more than most would in a lifetime; resulting in him winning countless awards in recognition of his inspirational work, taking part in a Guinness world record, and most notably he has raised over £3 million for charity in just over a year. This is not a sob story, this is Stephen’s Story!
This is what he said on his Facebook page just on the 8th May:
"For a while now, I’ve always viewed “Stephen’s Story” as a platform that I can use to try and spread as much positivity and empowerment as possible from. I’ve always described my cancer as a kick up the backside that has taught me some good life lessons, so I guess the aim has just been trying to pass those lessons and motivation I’ve gained on to others.
I’ve got lots of people asking how they can help ‘me’ personally and the answer is… I’m not quite sure, I’m really quite happy with things at the moment. The support I have is absolute immense and is hugely appreciated. Realistically though, the support I’ve got is probably a bit inflated relative to what I deserve. What I mean is that there are other young people out there with cancer who are battling as hard as me who deserve similar support, in fact there’s other people battling other illnesses too, and then there’s other people who may need support for whatever reason.
I’ve had lots of people asking me about the bucketlist and generously offering to help me tick items off it, but for a long time now the list has took a bit of a backseat- I’m quite content whether I tick another thing off it or not you see.
I’m not quite sure where this status is going now. I guess I just want to outline and reiterate that the goal of this page for all the new people who have started following recently. All the updates will still be from me and relating to my journey; whether it be some motivational thoughts (I’ll try not to be too preachy haha), updates about fundraising events I’ve organised or am organising, a particular campaign etc, or just anything I think may be cool or useful to share. Underlying everything though will be the goal of helping others, as I find it very rewarding and fulfilling "
And that's what Stephen said about his cancer:
"I was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2010. I then have had periods of remission and relapse, before doctors eventually described my disease as incurable in November 2012. Throughout this time I have underwent all manner of treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc) that have helped treat and prolong my life. The spread of my disease since has been steady and quite unique; I actually I see myself as very fortunate- despite being incurable for a while I have had a sustained period of very good health where I was able to go out and enjoy things thoroughly, which I did (check outhttp://stephensstory.co.uk/timeline/).
But, my disease is still here and still growing- for example, for a while tumours have meant my left leg is now useless and I rely on crutches to mobilise, and I am also on morphine and other nerve pain meds 24/7. Recently, more and more things have started going wrong with my body and it’s clear we are now facing a new stage of the ‘journey’.
Every cancer journey is different, but I’ve always thought an advantage of mine was that it should be pretty predictable- i.e. cancer is pretty slow growing; I don’t suddenly wake up one day feeling extra ‘tumoury’!! In terms of coping, this helps me hugely. The recent period in hospital I’ve had though, and the acuteness and speed my problems came on, show just how fragile my health still is, or rather how brutal cancer can still be.
The recovery I’ve made is quite miraculous; I can barely believe it myself. It really was touch and go on a few occasions, but somehow I managed to hang in there. After coughing up a tumour (which I’ll admit sounds completely farfetched!), symptomatically and clinically I have been very healthy- and there’s no reason that shouldn’t continue for a while.
For how long, we don’t really know. I see my professor next Friday where we will have a good ol chat about the whole situation and future plans.
Ultimately, there is no miracle cure for me. I am potentially the most positive and optimistic person in the world, but we have to be realistic with what we are up against. My disease is very advanced and will get me eventually, but I will try my damn hardest to be here as long as possible. I haven’t died yet, the journey continues, so I guess I’m needed a bit longer
Stephen's 'thumbs up' farewell mesage reads:
It's a final thumbs up from me! I've done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.
It's a shame the end has come so suddenly- there's so many people I haven't got round to properly thank or say goodbye too. Apologies for that.
There was also so many exciting projects and things I didn't get to see out. Hopefully some will continue and if you want to carry on the fundraising please do (justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT
is the link to donate to).
All future updates on this page will probably be from a family member. I hopefully may have the energy to write a few tweets (@_StephensStory). I will continue fighting for as long as I can, and whatever happens next I want you all to know I am currently in a good place mentally and at ease with the situation.
That's it from me. But life has been good. Very good.
Thank you to my mum and the rest of my family for everything. Thank you to my friends for being amazing. Thank you to my medical team for the hard work and effort they've continually they've put towards me. And thank you everyone else for sharing this wonderful journey with me.
I love you all x
I don't know what more can I say, dear Atria... You can read Stephen Sutton's increadible journey in his own worlds on his website. He touched many people, he inspired milions and he raised over £3 milion for a Charity to help others suffering from cancer. Such a short life but how meaningfull! He won't be forgotten; his legacy will stay with us.
Life is not measured in time. It is measured in achievements.
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