Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘My brave boy went with the angels in mammy & daddy’s arms...
Mum’s tribute to Bradley, 6
BRADLEY Lowery, the “little superhero” who touched hearts worldwide, lost his long and brave fight with cancer yesterday
The six-year-old, who suffered from the rare condition neuroblastoma, died at home in his mum and dad’s arms, surrounded by the love that comforted him through his short life.
As the world of football paid tribute to the Sunderland AFC mascot, parents Gemma and Carl said the boy with the cheeky, lovable smile would now “fly high with the angels”.
Giving the heartbreaking news, they wrote on Facebook: “My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family.
“He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.
“There are no words to describe how heart broken we are. Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels.”
Last week the parents told how Bradley’s condition was “deteriorating fast”.
But Gemma added: “He is still fighting in true Bradley style. He will only go when he decides.”
On Saturday, the incredible youngster decided on a party with his cousins, brother Kieran, 15, and “girlfriend” Poppy.
A family friend said it was his “way of saying his goodbyes”.
Later that night he was said to be “really relaxed” after best pal Jermain Defoe arrived to give him “cuddles”.
The England striker, 34, was said to be “heartbroken” at the news of his passing.
TEARS
Bradley idolised the former Sunderland star, who broke down in tears at a press conference for his new club Bournemouth on Thursday, after Bradley’s family admitted he was no longer responsive.
The youngster first met his hero last September as mascot for Sunderland’s fixture against Everton, when the Merseyside club gave £200,000 to his charity.
Sunderland yesterday sent their love and support to Bradley’s family, “now and always”.
A statement said: “Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms.
“Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all. He was truly an inspiration.”
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright described Bradley as “one of football’s all-time greats”, adding: “We are so privileged to have known him... and will always be proud that he chose us as his second club.
“We send our loving thoughts to his mam and dad and his family... plus those who were inspired by him throughout the world of football.” Other clubs lined up to pay tribute. Chelsea players invited Bradley into their dressing room when they visited the Stadium of Light last season, and the club’s spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Bradley Lowery’s passing. He touched all of us with his bravery and winning smile.” Stoke City added: ‘You touched all of our hearts with your remarkable strength and courage.”
Millwall tweeted: “You had the heart of a lion which means us lions will always have a place for you in ours.” West Ham United and Wolves both said they had been “inspired” by his bravery.
England and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer added: “So sorry @bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut short. Thoughts with his amazing family and friends.”
Former Liverpool ace Robbie Fowler sent love and sympathy to the youngster’s family, and said: “Everyone is aching from this news”.
The football mascot, who led England out with Defoe for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley, touched millions of hearts as he smiled and lived life to the full – despite his devastating illness. He won Match of the Day’s Goal of the Month with a pre-match penalty against Chelsea and brushed shoulders with the stars at the Grand National and Sports Personality of the Year awards.
LEGACY
And now he has left a legacy of love, as a charity set up in his memory will help other desperately sick children. Parents Gemma and Carl, both 34, have already put plans in place for the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
The family raised £800,000 for life-prolonging treatment in a campaign which brought together football fans and other well-wishers from around the world. Most of the money could not be used for Bradley, so it will go to the charity, which will offer grants and an advice service. Family friend Lynn Murphy, 35, who will
take a leading role in the foundation, said: “It will be Bradley’s legacy and it will ensure the world remembers a wonderful, brave little boy.
“The treatment which he received was there to prolong his life. But at the same time, we were looking ahead to what the foundation can do for other families in the same position.
“We have a lot of experience to pass on and we hope to be able to help fund vital research and treatment for children. We hope and believe lives will be saved by it.”
Lynn recently set up a new crowdfunding page for Bradley, which had last night raised more than £120,000 of its £500,000 target.
Her home, near Bradley’s in Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, became the hub for gifts and donations that have arrived from around the world.
Last Christmas, more than 315,000 cards were delivered for the youngster.
Speaking before her son’s death, Gemma told the Daily Mirror that the foundation would help the family “look to the future”. She added: “We want to support families to help get the treatment their child needs or to help fund specialist equipment they might need, not just with neuroblastoma but other illnesses.”
And she paid tribute to Sunderland AFC for making Bradley’s dreams come true and Jermain Defoe for being a “special friend”.
She said: “He is a big star, but they really hit it off when he was a mascot at Sunderland. The club has also been amazing for Bradley.
“If it had not been for them, he would not have been a mascot against Everton and the fans would not have got behind him as they have.
“Bradley made so many special memories and that is what we always wanted.”
Speaking this week, a tearful Defoe said: “There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about little Bradley because his love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes.
“Bradley will always be in my heart.”
Bradley was so comfortable with Defoe that he fell asleep in his arms when the player visited him in hospital in February.
The pictures were posted on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #Bestfriends and Defoe’s message: “Love you little man.”
To help Bradley’s fund, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bradleylowerysfight.