Cancer sufferer Stephen Sutton's bright outlook captures hearts across the globe

Even as lays in his hospital bed not knowing how long he has left to live, Stephen Sutton banishes the gloom to muster a grin, simultaneously breaking hearts and inspiring the world.

The courageous teenagers' thirst and enthusiasm for life has captured people's imaginations spreading across the planet from his home town in Burntwood.

The 19-year-old's positive outlook on life in the face of one of life's ills was breathtaking. Because of his incredible personality, it was no surprise he smashed his number one aim on his bucket list to raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust – reaching nearly £600,000 at the start of the week.

Then came a poingnant message to his tens of thousands of supporters on Facebook. He said: "Unfortunately I haven't got much time left, but I just want to reiterate to you all what a great time I've had recently.

"I don't really want to die, but hopefully my journey has influenced a lot of people for the better and taught people not to take life for granted. I think it has, and will hopefully continue to do so in the future, so in a situation that seems so unfair and without explanation, at least there has certainly been some purpose for me in my short time alive, which certainly helps ease the pain."

He later added: "This has all happened so suddenly, but I've been lucky to get so far. Cancer sucks, but life has been brilliant."

One of those to get behind Stephen is the comedian Jason Manford who last night rallied people to help Stephen reach his new £1 million target – even making his own donation of £10,000 and pledging profits from a tour.

He said today: " I met Stephen at the Teenage Cancer Trust gig in March. To be honest I wasn't really paying attention.

"I was thinking about what my opening jokes were going to be, I was, in all honesty, thinking about myself and what I was about to do. Then you meet the teenagers who you are doing the gig for and your perception changes, I had a picture with Stephen and we chatted a little, I was impressed with him. I knew he was sick obviously but I just presumed with him being at the gig, he was one of the lucky ones who would get better. But I was wrong. Nineteen years old and about to die. My god, it just doesn't bare thinking about does it? There's something about 19, I don't know, it's a romantic age, it's just the beginning of so many things isn't it?"

He added: "One dying boy wished for one magnificent thing, not for himself but for the benefit of hundreds of other children, and we, even in our little way, have been able to help. Goodnight God bless Stephen Sutton, sleep peacefully knowing that you made a difference. I will remember you every time I catch myself taking life for granted, I will think of you."

Last night as Stephen saw the donations pour in he tweeted: "Truly humbled by all the support, I am following it as best as I can an it is all hugely appreciated.

"Tonight's show of love and support epitomises how great people can be.

"The world is a truly wonderful place."

As Stephen's message spread last night, other celebrities got behind the Chase Terrace Technology College student. Piers Morgan tweeted: "What a remarkable, inspiring, courageous young man @_StephensStory please help him achieve his total." Singer Pixie Lott said: "What an inspiration. There should be more people in the world like you.."

The teenager completed all but 11 things on his 46-strong bucket-list which included things from a sky dive, organise a charity football match to playing the drums in front of a big crowd.

He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2010, aged 15. Despite having the tumour removed from his bowel, it returned a year later. He has more than half a dozen tumours as well as lymphoedema and a blood clot all in left leg. Doctors have now found tumours in his chest wall.

See also: Inspirational Stephen Sutton appeal nears £1 million