LIFE was too short for Connor Lancaster.

Compiling a bucket list isn’t something a 15-year-old should be contemplating, but Connor was keen to fulfil his dreams while he still had the chance.

With his family, and fellow pupils and staff from Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College... and some celebrity supporters along the way - he was able to do just that.

June 11 marked the third anniversary of Connor’s death, and in the time since he died at Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa, a place his family and friends still hold dear for the treasured memories they helped them create - and which they will cherish forever - Connor's legacy has, and continues to live on.

After beating meningitis as a baby, Connor was later diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of bone cancer affecting fewer than 30 children in the UK each year.

Although his life was short, Connor made a lasting impression on all those who knew him, including his maths teacher, Sarah Steel.

Keen for Connor to fulfil his wishes, Sarah began tweeting celebrities seeking their support to help raise funds for those once-in-a-lifetime wishes.

She recalls receiving ‘fantastic support’ from celebrities including Michael Sheen who helped to arrange for Connor to participate in the Man vs Food Challenge - demolishing the tallest burger - during his dream trip to New York.

Signed books from Ant and Dec and Jonny Vegas, a signed football from David Beckham and signed boots from Lionel Messi along with tickets from Amanda Holden to watch Britain’s Got Talent live were just some of the generous donations they received for a charity auction in Connor’s home city of Bradford.

In addition, the school held numerous fundraising events, ‘Wear it Pink’ days and they participated in Race for Life.

Their fundraising efforts amounted to a staggering £20,000 - £10,000 of which was spent on fulfilling Connor’s wishes before his death.

The rest of the money will be distributed through the charity they have now set up - The Connor Lancaster Trust Fund - and used predominantly to support those affected by critical or terminal illness in South Bradford, especially pupils or members of staff at the school.

Loans to those keen to embark on fundraising challenges will also be considered.

Aside from the trust, Sarah and Connor’s supporters have been busy fundraising for Martin House Hospice, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Under the team name ‘Buttershaw Barbarians’ they joined the dragon boat race in Roundhay Park in Leeds in May. They’ve also taken part in the Race for Life and Colour Runs.

To date they have raised around £8,000 for Martin House, which provides family-led care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

More than 420 children and young people and their families along with 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire are supported at the hospice and in families’ homes.

Around 30 per cent of the children and young people the hospice currently cares for are from Bradford. The hospice also provides community care in the city.

As well as caring for Connor and supporting his mum, Julie, the hospice also helped to fulfil Connor’s wish for his Mum to meet her favourite soap character.

Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle in Emmerdale, is an official ambassador for Martin House along his wife, fellow actor, Zoe Henry who plays vet, Rhona Goskirk, in the Yorkshire-based soap.

Sarah recalls how Jeff spent the afternoon with Connor and Julie at Martin House. “Martin House were absolutely fabulous and one of Connor’s wishes was for his mum.”

Referring to her son’s kind gesture, Julie says: “It was lovely because you don’t think of things like that - you want him to have what he wants. I didn’t expect anything. He said ‘I just want my Mum to be happy.’

Recalling the reality of Connor’s wish for her to meet the soap star, Julie told how the actor walked in with a bouquet of flowers and a signed photograph.

“I couldn’t even make eye contact with him. Every time he spoke to me I would look away like a silly school girl with a crush!” she laughs.

Sarah, who was with Connor and Julie when they met Jeff, spoke about how wonderful he was. He also arranged for Julie and her mum, Mavis Firth, to visit the ITV studios and the Emmerdale set at Harewood House.

“It was amazing. He was so lovely because it was so personal as well, he took us round,” says Julie.

Recalls Sarah: “He was so nice, it was like being with a member of the family. He is an absolutely gorgeous guy,”

While fulfilling his bucket list, Connor wanted to attend his school prom. When he became too poorly to attend, Martin House became the alternative venue.

Clair Holdsworth, director of care at Martin House, said: “Helping families to create happy memories together is an integral part of what Martin House does, and I’m pleased that during his time here, we were able to help Connor and his family fulfil some of his dreams.

Sarah is keen for the fundraising to continue in memory of Connor whose loss is still deeply felt among his family and friends.

“Connor would still come into school if he felt poorly; he still did his GCSEs even though he knew they wouldn’t help him but to make his mum proud," she recalls.

“He smiled and it was the most infectious smile and he was so inspirational.”

Inspired by her son’s determination, Julie has since returned to the classroom. Studying has kept her mind busy - along with Connor’s beautiful dog, Joey, a cross between a Border and Patterdale Terrier.

She recalls how her son asked for a dog the Christmas before he died. “And that dog has been a Godsend. It has kept me going,” she says.

Mother and son share the same determination - Connor kept fighting and was determined to achieve his wishes - fulfilling most, including flying a plane and watching the musical Cats, in a year.

As well as the wishes Connor was granted, Julie says they were also ‘overwhelmed’ by the generous donations from celebrities supporting the fundraising events.

“It puts your faith back in humanity. They don’t know us from Adam and people are going out of their way for us. It was just so overwhelming.”

Since losing her son, Julie has changed her career. The qualified chef went back to college and gained a distinction in the social science and humanity access course she undertook at Bradford College.

She is now two years into a degree in counselling and psychology and hopes to work for a charity as a family support worker.

Connor also achieved many things in his young life including clinching runner-up in the Prince's Trust 'Celebrate Success Awards.' He received his accolade, awarded to him for his determination to undertake his GCSEs despite being so ill, from pop star, Pixie Lott.

“He was only 15, but he got so much into those 15 years,” says his mum proudly.