Everton To Join Forces Again With Bradley Lowery Foundation
Everton will join forces with Bradley Lowery Foundation again this Boxing Day to raise awareness of the Cancer Has No Colours campaign and vital need for research into childhood cancers.
Last season's meeting between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium proved a poignant fixture in the calendar as it fell on what would have been Bradley's 15th birthday.
To honour Sunderland fan Bradley, Everton and the foundation set up in his memory came together to promote its work, and that of other national cancer charities, including Children with Cancer UK. A banner showing a smiling Bradley in his Sunderland shirt was also held aloft by supporters of both clubs ahead of kick-off.
Sunderland's visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 26 December will again see the life and legacy of Bradley honoured, with Bradley's parents Gemma and Carl to be guests of the Club.
Bradley Lowery Foundation this week celebrated the opening of Super Brad's Pad, a £1million accessible holiday home in Scarborough, created in Bradley's memory to give children with serious illnesses and disabilities the chance to make precious memories with their families.
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Former Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe, whose special friendship with Bradley touched the hearts of millions, was among those at Tuesday's emotive launch event.
The five-bedroom home, which will welcome up to 100 families each year, has been specially designed to give children with complex medical needs and disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a holiday with their loved ones, away from the pressures of hospitals, appointments and treatment.
For Gemma, the opening marks the culmination of years of determination, fundraising and hard work to create a lasting legacy for her son.
She said: "Seeing Super Brad's Pad finished and ready to welcome families is incredibly emotional. There have been challenges along the way, but knowing what this home will mean to so many children and their families makes every moment worthwhile.
"We can't change what these families are going through, but we can give them somewhere to step away from it for a little while, be together and make memories that will last a lifetime.
"Bradley continues to inspire everything we do. I'm so proud that his legacy is helping other children and families, particularly those with complex needs and disabilities who might otherwise struggle to enjoy a holiday together."I cannot thank everyone enough who has helped make this possible. From our fundraisers and supporters to the businesses, volunteers, trustees and Foundation team, so many people have worked incredibly hard to make this happen."
Bradley became a symbol of hope and inspiration through the courage he showed in his fight against Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. He first forged a special bond with Evertonians when he appeared as Sunderland’s mascot against the Blues at the Stadium of Light in September 2016.
That connection was further strengthened when Bradley returned for the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in January 2017, where he was carried onto the pitch in his Sunderland kit by Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.
Super Brad's Pad has been made possible through £1million of fundraising and the generosity of football supporters, businesses and organisations that have contributed materials, equipment, services and expertise.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation will continue to manage the home, ensuring families can enjoy precious time together in Bradley's memory for many years to come.
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