A CANCER fund set up by an inspiring teenager who lost a brave battle with the disease has hit £4 million on the day mourners began gathering to celebrate his life.

Stephen Sutton originally started the fundraising ­ drive on his justgiving.com webpage.

The donations have continued to pour in from people touched by the 19-year-old's example since he succumbed to multiple tumours on May 14.

A two-day vigil began yesterday at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire, marking the young man's life.

Cancer Trust chief ­executive Siobhan Dunn said the money was hugely welcome but it was difficult to over-state the importance of his work in raising awareness about the disease in young people.