Stephen Sutton: Fundraising teenager's health has 'deteriorated' according to his family

He was re-admitted to hospital on Monday after he had difficulty breathing

Stephen Sutton's health has 'deteriorated'

The health of Stephen Sutton has “deteriorated”, the family of the fundraising teenager with terminal cancer announced on Monday evening.

The 19-year-old from Burntwood, Staffordshire, made headlines for raising over £3million for The Teenage Cancer Trust charity, after he posted an emotional farewell message to the followers of his Stephen’s Story Facebook page.

Soon, celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch and Jason Mannford had taken to social media and encouraged people to donate to the cause.

Update: Stephen Sutton dies

Stephen was first diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 15, and was told in December 2012 that his condition was incurable.

Earlier in May, Stephen excitedly wrote on his Facebook page that he was being sent home from hospital after he said he had made a “remarkable” recovery.

“After being at a point where it seemed like I'd never make it out it feels so awesome to be able to put that,” he wrote.

But just over a week later, the teenager was re-admitted to hospital because he was having difficulty breathing.

Stephen Sutton posing with Prime Minister David Cameron during a hospital visit

Read more: Stephen responds to claims he 'duped' fundraisers

On Monday, his family said they had been told the breathlessness is due to the regrowth of tumours which are blocking the teenager's airways, and said his condition had deteriorated in the last 24 hours.

Posting on the teenager's Facebook blog, his family said: ”Hi everyone, this is Stephen's family.

"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"

Additional reporting by PA