Stephen Sutton 'bucket list' portrait fails to sell at charity auction

An art gallery had hoped to raise thousands for the Teenage Cancer Trust

Kelvin Okafor with Stephen Sutton and his portrait (Kelvin Okafor Art)

A portrait of Stephen Sutton made as part of the teenager’s famous "bucket list" has failed to sell at an auction aiming to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The pencil and charcoal drawing was exhibited with other work by artist Kelvin Okafor at the Albemarle Gallery in London.

Auctioneers started bids at £7,500 in the hope of raising as much as possible for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which Stephen supported, but the target had not been reached when the auction closed on Saturday.

Tony Pontone, who owns the gallery, told the BBC he was “disappointed” the silent auction had not attracted higher bids and said the portrait would be donated to the charity.

“It hasn't had the interest which the gallery and the artist had hoped for,” he added.

Mr Okafor drew Stephen’s portrait last May and described the 19-year-old as “a fighter and a true hero”.

He added: “Stephen Sutton is the most inspirational, courageous and heroic human being I have ever had the privilege of meeting.

“I feel incredibly blessed to have met him and to have drawn him in order to fulfil one of his bucket list wishes.”

Stephen, from Burntwood in Staffordshire, did not complete his 46-point wish list by the time he died in May after a battle with terminal cancer.

His incredible positivity and account of his treatment and adventures, including bungee jumping and hugging an elephant, inspired millions.

The teenager was buried at a private family funeral on Friday after a two-day memorial vigil.

His fundraising account for the Teenage Cancer Trust has since topped £4 million.