Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. Some can swing from buildings, some can fly, and some can help the world in an admittedly less flashy, but altogether much more spectacular way. This week, the world lost a true hero, an inspiring young man named Stephen Sutton.
For those of you following Stephen’s Story, you will be aware that Stephen was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of fifteen. He then began the online blog, ‘Stephen’s Story,’ which included a ‘bucket list’ of things he hoped to achieve in a life he knew would be cut short, many of which were dedicated to fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Unfortunately, after bravely battling his disease, Stephen passed away peacefully this week. To honour Stephen’s memory, Her Campus Leeds would like to follow in the example Stephen set; rather than dwelling on the tragedy of his death, we’ll focus instead upon the incredible achievements of Stephenâs life.
Here is our tribute to Stephen Sutton; a young man who taught us to measure our lives in achievements, rather than years.
In his blog, Stephen described his cancer as giving him ‘a kick up the backside’ which motivated him to make the most of every minute of every day. This in turn led to the creation of ‘Stephen’s Story’, a platform for positivity rather than a sob story, which hoped to inspire others to make the most of their lives.
The page included a ‘bucket list’ of 46 things heâd like to achieve in his life.
These included: skydivingâŠ
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Hugging an animal larger than himâŠ
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And organising numerous charity events such as football matches, balls and dinner parties. All of this was aimed towards Stephenâs ultimate goal of raising ÂŁ10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
At a time in his life where to concentrate on himself, to feel resentment towards the world and to simply give up would have seemed perfectly reasonable, Stephen dedicated the years he had left to helping others.
After reaching his ÂŁ10,000 target, Stephen refused to become complacent and see his work as âdoneâ and raised his target to ÂŁ1million pounds. Despite his health gradually deteriorating, Stephen continued to push himself, all to help and inspire others who were suffering in the same way as him.
In May this year, Stephen reached his new ÂŁ1million target. By the time he died, his fundraising total stood at over ÂŁ3.2 million.
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As if fundraising wasnât enough, with money going towards improving the quality of the lives of teenage cancer patients and working towards finding a cure, Stephen also dedicated his time to delivering motivational speeches. He was clearly a talented orator, but the true power of his speeches came from the truth and passion behind them. Stephenâs most powerful message was that we should measure our lives in achievements. What always shone through when Stephen spoke was his positivity. This is what made him a true inspiration. If someone suffering in the way Stephen did can still manage to be positive, then what excuse do the rest of us have? Yet there was no air of superiority, no sense of judgement from Stephen as he asked us to value our lives. To not resent those who have years ahead of them and not know the value of this is a true demonstration of how good a person Stephen Sutton was.
From public speaking, to fundraising, to his online blog, Stephen not only taught us to value our lives and make every day count, he also provided comfort and reassurance to anyone going through the same plight as him. I am lucky enough to have no experience of seeing someone I love suffering from cancer, but I can see how Stephenâs Story would have provided a beacon of hope to anyone who did. He wasnât a sufferer, he was a fighter, and his positivity about his condition Iâm sure inspired many others to escape the hopelessness which can follow from a terminal diagnosis.
The loss of Stephen Sutton from this world is a tragedy. The life of Stephen Sutton in this world is one of the humanityâs greatest achievements.
Some heroes donât wear capes, they wear hospital gowns. Some suffer at the hands of kryptonite and some at the hands of cancer. Stephen taught us that anybody can be a hero by simply loving life and loving others. Itâs an easy doctrine, but often it takes someone like Stephen to remind us of it.
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Our thoughts are with Stephenâs family and friends at this time for their tragic loss. We hope they will be comforted by the fact that Stephen was undeniably a real life Superman.
We ask our readers to show their support for Stephen and his fundraising mission by donating hereâŠ
https://www.justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-tct
Even if you can only spare 50p, itâs the pennies that make the pounds that make the cures.
Hereâs one final thumbs up to Stephen from the Her Campus Leeds Team. Like all heroes, you will be remembered for your strength.
Image Sourceswww.bbc.co.ukwww.dailymail.co.ukwww.birminghammail.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/StephensStory/photos_streamwww.themail.co.uk
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