Stephen Sutton: Two campaigns launched a year on from day of teenager's death

Millions have been raised after an image of Stephen - and hsi sunny optimism - went viral

Stephen Sutton originally set out to raise £10,00 (PA)

Supporters of teenage cancer victim Stephen Sutton have taken to social media to celebrate his life and continue fundraising a year to the day after he died.

Two campaigns launched today, #hugforstephen and #ThumbsUpforStephen, have already sparked massive interest online with celebrities joining the events designed to help raise money.

Since the 19-year-old’s death last year, following a diagnosis of bowel cancer which later spread to other parts of his body, fundraising in his name reached £4.5 million, the BBC reported.

The Teenage Cancer Trust called it a “tidal wave” of generosity, much of which flooded in after a photograph of Stephen in hospital giving a ‘thumbs up’ sign went viral.

Today’s hashtags aim to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as the charity Fixers, by encouraging people to donate following posting a ‘selfie’ online.

Other events marking the year anniversary included a service at Lichfield Cathedral at 11am, followed by a mass ‘thumbs up’ in remembrance of the young campaigner.

His mother Jane said; "Today marks the end of one and the start of a new chapter of Stephen's journey. He may no longer be with us in person... but his influence will remain.”

"He demonstrated how incredibly powerful small positive acts can be when lots of people get involved,” she told the BBC, adding: "Of course I miss Stephen, there's an enormous void which he used to occupy. However, I'm so proud of everything he has achieved."