Sir Chris Hoy
Sir Chris Hoy

Celebrities have been backing the new #thumbsupforStephen campaign to help a dying Burntwood teenager raise even more money for charity.

Stephen Sutton has already seen his fundraising total top the £1.5million mark, but the new drive is hoping to see that total move towards £2million for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Comedian Jason Manford – who helped the 19-year-old reach his initial £1million target – called on people to post a #thumbsupforStephen selfie of themselves giving a thumbs up on Facebook and Twitter, together with the link to Stephen’s JustGiving page.

Stars including Russell Brand, Sir Chris Hoy, Bill Bailey, James Nesbitt, Rebecca Adlington and Simon Pegg have already posted their pictures online.

“We managed to fulfil his dream of raising over £1million for the Teenage Cancer Trust,” the comic said. “But why are we stopping?

“We haven’t cured cancer, but we can help make the lives of thousands of teenagers who are dealing with cancer and those yet to be diagnosed a hell of a lot easier.

“He gave us a thumbs up. Let’s give him one back.”

Click below to see some of the #thumbsupforStephen celebrity pictures:

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.