Sunderland mascot Bradley Lowery shakes the hand of Leighton Baines of Evertonplaceholder image
Sunderland mascot Bradley Lowery shakes the hand of Leighton Baines of Everton | Getty Images
Everton have once again shown their continued support for the Bradley Lowery Foundation
Everton have donated their mascot experience for Monday evening’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland in support for The Bradley Lowery Foundation's “Cancer Has No Colours” campaign, with the Black Cats thanking their visitors for the “incredible gesture”.
The Toffees have repeatedly shown their support for the Foundation - which was set up by Bradley’s parents - in recent years, and as a result of the Merseyside club donating tonight’s experience, nine-year-old Reuben, a Sunderland supporter who went through treatment for leukaemia for over two-and-a-half years before getting the all clear, will lead out David Moyes’ side at the Stadium of Light.
An excerpt of a statement from Everton’s official website reads: “The gesture follows on from September's fixture against West Ham United at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and was attended by Bradley's parents.
“Bradley was the inspirational youngster who bravely battled Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, before tragically passing away in 2017, aged just six.
“Monday’s match will be our first game at the Stadium of Light since Bradley melted the nation's hearts when he was a mascot for the first time against Everton in 2016. A Sunderland supporter, he forged a special bond with the Blues - and his parents, Gemma and Carl, were joined at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the recent West Ham match by Bradley's favourite player, Jermain Defoe. When Bradley's image was shown on the stadium screens after six minutes it prompted sustained applause from the 53,000 spectators.”
Everton also confirmed that Bradley’s parents will be in attendance on Monday evening, with his mother, Gemma, adding: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming Everton and their fans back to the Stadium of Light. They have been an incredible support right the way through – from standing by Bradley, to supporting us as a family and, of course, continuing to champion The Bradley Lowery Foundation. Their kindness and compassion over the years has meant so much to us."
In response to Everton’s donation, Sunderland took to social media to respond: “Thank you, Everton, for this incredible gesture and for your continued support of The Bradley Lowery Foundation”.
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What else has been said in the build-up to Sunderland vs Everton?
Elsewhere, local non-league outfit Hebburn Town have hosted Everton for some of their pre-match preparations ahead of Monday evening’s clash on Wearside.
A number of key Toffees figures were pictured with club staff, including head coach David Moyes, England international Jack Grealish, and returning Black Cats academy graduate Jordan Pickford.
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In a post on social media, Hebburn wrote: “It’s been an absolute pleasure for the club to host premier league club Everton FC at The Trustmark Group Stadium this morning as they prepare ahead of their game against Sunderland tonight. Great kudos for the club and some superb feedback from premier players and staff.”
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