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#ThumbsUpForStephen: Celebrities from Manchester and beyond back dying teen’s cancer charity campaign

Salford comedian Jason Manford has enlisted the help of his Mancunian mates and comedy chums to join dying teen Stephen Sutton in his fundraising battle.

Funnyman Manford brought Stephen’s cause, 19, who suffers from ‘incurable’ cancer, to the attention of the nation yesterday in an attempt to help him hit his target of one million pounds for charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

With the star’s backing, Stephen’s total raised skyrocket to £1,674,707.43 – a far cry from the original target of £10,000.


BRAVE: Stephen Sutton’s thumbs up has delivered a huge boost to his fundraising campaign

Manford saw Stephen’s tragic farewell posted on Facebook, which now has 273,000 followers, on Monday: “It’s a final thumbs up from me! I’ve done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.

“It’s a shame the end has come so suddenly – there are so many people I haven’t got round to properly thank or say goodbye to. Apologies for that.”

Now, Manchester-based celebrities have given the #ThumbsUpForStephen selfie campaign on Twitter their backing in further bid to make the total soar even further beyond the one million mark.

Manford’s Manchester pals joined the fray as Middleton-born Steve Coogan, led the way before Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton took a break from the drama in Weatherfield to add his support.

Clocking Off trio Manchester’s Lesley Sharp, Salford-born John Thomson and James Nesbitt also got involved.

Golden girl Rebecca Adlington, the Olympic swimmer now based in Stockport, and cycling great Chris Hoy, also based in Manchester, also joined the race for funds.

Manford also gained support of his comedy chums as well as friends from other areas of showbiz.

Stand-up heavyweights Russell Brand, former Manchester Metropolitan University student John Bishop and Jack Whitehall aimed to put smiles on faces once again with their contributions.

Other support came from behind the bar with pub landlord comic Al Murray and even from the red carpet with Hollywood star Simon Pegg.

Vic Reeves, Bill Bailey and Noel Fielding also added further backing from the world of comedy – although Vic seems to have misplaced his thumb somewhat.

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton-Myers also put up a selfie she might not have had chance to make earlier from her MediaCityUK base.

Manford even tried to get Barack Obama on board – but the US President is yet to reply. 

 

 

 

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