The family of terminally ill teenager Stephen Sutton have taken to Facebook to let his supporters know his condition has “deteriorated” and he can no longer communicate himself.
The 19-year-old who has raised over £3.22 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust, was readmitted to hospital with breathing difficulties on Sunday.
Stephen touched the hearts of the nation after posting a picture on his Facebook page where he said his “last goodbye” to his friends and family at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth hospital.
Amazingly, after an internet campaign, led by comedian Jason Manford, 32, saw his fundraising target of £1 million smashed, he made a recovery and was allowed home.
But last night his family posted a message on Facebook which read: “Unfortunately in the last 24 hours Stephen’s condition has deteriorated to where he can no longer communicate through this page himself.
“Unfortunately the breathlessness which had him re-admitted to hospital is due to the regrowth of tumours which are blocking his airways, and not just due to infection as we had all been hoping.
“He is currently comfortable and stable, and we will let you know of any further developments.
“Right now however, as a family, we wish for a certain amount of privacy for us to spend what time he has remaining with him.
“We appreciate everyone’s concern, and for all the love and goodwill sent his way, and indeed ours too, we thank you deeply x.”
Stephen returned to his home in Burntwood, Staffs., was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2010 when he was just 15 but despite having the tumour removed from his bowel it returned the next year.
Despite being told he would be unlikely to survive more than a few years, he decided to make a 46 part bucket-list of things to do before he dies.
Top of his list was to raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, although after quickly raising the money the figure changed to £1 million, which has now tripled.
He has also managed to tick off 36 of the 46 tasks on his bucket-list.
Last week it emerged 25,000 people had signed a petition to award Stephen a knighthood – with signatures coming from as far away as India and Australia.
Yesterday, his fundraising figure stood at £3,239,050.00
