Hundreds sign Stephen Sutton condolence book

A short opening service at the three-spired cathedral will take place next Thursday at 7pm to welcome Stephen's coffin which will lie on a platform in the centre of the nave.

The Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, will make an address before people will be guided around a walkway that will pass the coffin while some of Stephen's favourite music plays in the background.

Those paying their respects will be able to light a candle, sign a book of condolence and make a donation to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Flowers can be laid in The Close.

The cathedral will close at midnight and reopen at 7am on Friday before a closing ceremony at 3pm before the coffin departs for a private family funeral.

Currently admission to the two services is not ticketed and will given to those who arrive first until capacity is reached.

Preparations are being made to cater for thousands of visitors over the two days but the cathedral is inviting people to sign a book of condolence which is in place inside the medieval building in days before.

The Dean said: "We are encouraging people to come in and light candles and leave their condolences for the family.

"So far the number of people who have been in is in the hundreds. Not everyone has left a message but the candles is evident of the large number.

"This has already been taking place at Stephen's old school in Burntwood where people have been leaving candles and writing in a book of condolence. We are continuing the good example they started.

"There are those who may not be able to make the vigil so we are reminding them they are welcome to come in and pay their respects prior to next week's event."

He said staging the vigil for the family was an 'honour' and that they were yet to be informed of any high-profile attendees.

"It is hard to gauge but working with our partners in local government and the police we are preparing for many thousands of people to visit.

"Stephen has showed an incredible spirit and drive to live life well in the face of pain and while in a state of distress.

"It is clear Stephen won hearts and minds across the spectrum. People from public life and the sporting arena have all heard his story and given their full support. It will be for them to make the decision whether they come but they will be very welcome as indeed anyone is."

Stephen's mother Jane has said she particularly wants to give local people the chance to pay their final respects.

She said: "We want to give all of his friends and supporters, and especially local people who supported him from the start, the opportunity to come and say goodbye."

The book of condolence in the cathedral can be signed Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 5pm, and Sunday 12-3pm and 4pm-6pm.