The Mother of inspirational young man, Stephen Sutton, will climb Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Jane Sutton will be setting off to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, to continue her son’s legacy and fundraise for the charity, on Monday 3^rd October. 

Stephen was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15 and passed away in May 2014 aged 19. His story captured the hearts and minds of the nation with his incredible positivity and ‘bucket list’ of things he wanted to achieve in the time he had left. His mentality is still inspiring people today, and the fundraising total of over £5.6 million on Stephen’s JustGiving page continues to rise.

Teenage Cancer Trust supported Stephen through his cancer. The charity makes sure the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day, don’t face it alone. They provide world-class cancer care and support in specialist units, local hospitals and in homes across the country.

Since her son's death, Jane has kept his legacy alive. She has taken on a variety of grueling challenges, including marathon running and jumping out of a plane for the record-breaking Skydive for Stephen. Jane has also taken part in numerous local fundraising events in the West Midlands and kept Stephen’s Story supporters regularly updated on Stephen’s Story Facebook page. 

Jane’s nine-day trip to Tanzania begins on Monday 3^rd October where she will hike for approximately 5 to 6 hours each day and is due to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak, at sunrise local time on Sunday 9th October. Jane said:

“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was certainly not on my ‘bucket list’. I’m under no illusions this will be the toughest physical and mental challenge of my life. Stephen is my daily inspiration and since he passed away in May 2014, I try to follow his outlook on life and make the most of the time we have available each day.

“I’m humbled by the number of people who have wished me ‘good luck’ via the Stephen’s Story Facebook page and those who have continued to support my fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, the charity Stephen was so passionate about. I now have to fulfil my end of the bargain and reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Kate Collins, Director of Fundraising & Marketing at Teenage Cancer Trust, added:

“Stephen has helped us take huge steps forward to make sure the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day, don’t face it alone.

Jane has thrown everything into making sure Stephen’s legacy lives on. You rarely meet someone who is so full of grit, sheer determination and incredible positivity and, with her impending epic climb of one of the world’s highest peaks, Jane continues to inspire us all. We will be with her every step of the way.”

You can support Jane by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/climbkilimanjaro or Text STEPHEN to 70500 to donate £5. Teenage Cancer Trust will receive 100% of your donation.

Anyone who donates via text for the duration of Jane’s nine-day trek, will be sent a link to download a free copy of the Pandemonium Drummers single ‘Champion’ which was released in July to coincide with the Rio Olympics and dedicated to Stephen, who was made an Honorary Pandemonium Drummer in May 2013 after the group helped fulfil one of his bucket list items – to drum in front of a huge crowd – 95,000 spectators at the UEFA Champions League Final.