Burntwood to turn yellow for one year anniversary of Stephen Sutton's death

Burntwood will be once again decked in yellow ribbons from May 1 until the anniversary itself on May 14 in memory of the 19 -year-old, who lost his battle with bowel cancer last year.

The community is being asked to tie the symbolic bows to railings, cars and homes across the town in memory of Stephen, as they did following his death last year.

Organiser Sharon Whitchurch, 44, said: "I have organised Turn Burntwood Yellow For Stephen as a way for the community to let his family know that a year on we still love him and have not forgotten all that he did."

Mrs Whitchurch, a skills coach at Bromford Housing added: "So many people have not taken down their ribbons from last year, myself included and that's wonderful, but to mark the first anniversary we want to put up more.

"While we knew it was an inevitable end to a wonderful and inspirational young man, it was so beautiful when the town was turned into a sea of yellow to show the love and pride the community had for Stephen.

"I think a year on, it would be a fitting tribute if we could turn Burntwood yellow again and show that while he is gone, he is certainly not forgotten. The ribbons will show our pride for Stephen who made everyone realise that life is for living. He put everything into perspective and he was simply amazing.

"I don't want the event to be too structured, I simply want to let people know they can express their pride this May with ribbons or maybe by wearing yellow. Swan Island has been planted with yellow flowers and it is these little touches that make me so proud of where I live."

Stephen, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 15, created a 46 item bucket list, which included plans to raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

But after celebrities including comedian Jason Manford got on board his appeal went viral and the former Chase Terrace Technology College pupil raised £3million before he died - increasing to a final total of £5m.

Mrs Whitchurch said yellow flowers have already been planted in the town and the florists are stocking up on yellow ribbon. Residents are also being encouraged to attend a balloon release on the anniversary, with the final details still being decided.

It it the third fundraising event the mum of one from Bracken Close has helped to organise, after helping Stephen organise two fun runs and hopes the ribbon event will remind the community of the phenomenal amount of fundraising the teenager achieved while battling cancer.

Tributes flooded in from around the world following Stephen''s death and donations hit £1,000 a minute after the news broke, with thousands turning up to pay tribute to the inspirational teen at his funeral at Lichfield Cathedral.