£1,000 a minute given in tribute to brave Stephen Sutton
Inspirational Stephen Sutton's charity fund has rocketed to more than £3.5million with £1,000 a minute being donated as news of his death broke.
And as his charity legacy continued to grow today it was also revealed that a permanent memorial is planned for home town of the 19-year-old in his honour.
Diane Evans, leader of Burntwood Town Council, said thhe idea for a memorial in the town was still in its infancy.
She said: "It would have been inappropriate to talk of it while he was alive but certainly we hope to remember him with a permanent memorial of some kind.
"I met him several times at the school and it was humbling to be with him. He has inspired the world, but especially people here in Burntwood. We will remember him with pride."
Express & Star comment: Farewell Stephen, you did us proud
Councillor Evans described him as 'a brilliant young man who never stopped smiling.'
She said: "His death is incredibly said but he fought to the bitter end.
Calls have been growing on social media for him to be honoured with a Broad Street star in Birmingham - an honour previously handed to celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne and Jasper Carrot.
Tributes to the heroic teen have continued to flow in since news broke yesterday of his untimely death at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
See today's Express & Star for special coverage of Stephen's legacy
Famous names from the world of showbusiness have joined in the outpouring of admiration for the talented student.
And In a touchingly funny message on Twitter, Stephen's elder brother Chris, 21, said he had been 'blessed' to grow up with him
He wrote: "I could sit here all day typing words like inspirational, proud, but frankly his life and what he achieved speaks for itself, it doesn't need a rambling eulogy from me.
"He'll still always be a bit of tw*t to me, hey he was my younger brother, it's in the contract, but I was blessed to grow up with the best little tw*t you could have.
"So yeah, RIP bro."
See also:
Stephen Sutton's cancer was missed by doctors
26,000 back bid for Stephen to be knighted
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Stephen's appeal passes £3m mark
His former school are also planning to celebrate his life and achievements after discussions with his family over what is "fitting and appropriate."
Headteacher Stuart Jones spoke of the school's 'enormous loss' following Stephen's passing.
He described the high-flying pupil as 'academically brilliant, an excellent sportsman and a talented musician.'
He said: "He was also a caring, modest, creative young person with a great sense of fun. Those of us who knew him feel very privileged to have done so."
Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins added: "Stephen was an ordinary boy who has left an extraordinary legacy. He will be remembered not just for the millions of pounds he raised but for his remarkable spirit, bravery and sheer selfless determination to help other young cancer sufferers."
Actor and singer Adam Rickitt also spoke out on the legacy of Stephen Sutton
It is not known yet what form a memorial might take and warned it may take years to organise.
The town is still paying for a £50,000 bronze monument to its mining heritage unveiled last June after more than a decade of planning and hard work.
"These things take time and we will need to have a conversation with his family first," said Mrs Evans.
"We have only spoken of it tentatively because of the sensitive situation."
In recent days pupils have been encouraged to stick post-it notes expressing their thoughts about Stephen on a special wall devoted to the former student. Yesterday(WED),they also opened a book of condolence to him.
Since Easter yellow ribbons have been tied to the school railings in a show of support for the inspirational teenager. Now the town council and local pub The Wych Elm, which held many fundraisers for his fund, have also put up ribbons with shops and businesses also showing their respects.
More than 200 messages have been added to the wall, known as a 'wall of positivity and tribute' next to the library with many praising Stephen for being an inspiration.
One message said: "You are an incredible person and in your short life you have made a difference. We will hold you in our hearts and remember you forever.
Another said: "We're so proud of you and everything you've done, you inspired thousands of people, you helped show people no matter if you have cancer you can still do the things you want to do."
Stephen's former school has also been paying tribute to the inspirational youngster
Julia Hayburn, director of student support at the school, said: "He had, over a long period of time, been an absolute role model for students within the school, within the community, he has had an influence that has gone nationwide.
"But I think that is because when people have met him they have been touched by something unique."
