Meet Stephen Sutton, the British teen with cancer who inspired millions

The British teen with cancer who raised more than $5.6 million for charity died in his sleep Wednesday morning, his mom said.

Stephen Sutton, 19,

was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 15. He chronicled his progress on social media, inspiring thousands of people all over the world with his fund-raising efforts and positive attitude.

“My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May,” Sutton’s mom wrote on Facebook. “The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.”

Prime Minister David Cameron, who visited the teen in April, comedian Ricky Gervais and singer Barry Manilow were among the hundreds who paid tribute to Sutton on social media after learning of his passing.

“I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died. His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration,” Cameron tweeted.

“RIP Stephen Sutton. A true hero & inspiration to us all. #stephensstory,” Gervais wrote.

“#StephenSutton #Hero What an inspiring and beautiful soul,” Manilow wrote.

In January 2013, Sutton found out his cancer

was incurable. The teen from Staffordshire, England, then created a bucket list of things he wanted to accomplish in the time he had left, which included raising 10,000 pounds (about $16,800) for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Supporters helped him meet his original fund-raising target in March 2013. About a year later, Sutton had raised more than 572,000 pounds for charity. He decided to up his fund-raising goal to one million pounds.

Sutton’s health then started deteriorating. On April 21, he shared a picture of himself in the hospital along with an emotional farewell.

“It's a final thumbs up from me!” he wrote. “I've done well to blog things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.”

The post went viral. As Sutton’s story spread, increasingly more people lent their support and money.

He had raised almost 3.37 million pounds (more than $5.6 million) as of early Wednesday afternoon.

Things appeared to be looking up for Sutton at the beginning of May. His health improved, and he was sent home from the hospital. However, he was readmitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Sunday.

“We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many,” his mom wrote on Facebook.

vtaylor@nydailynews.com