We’ll meet again, our superhero in the sky...
Thousands turn out for funeral of little boy whose smile enchanted the world
HE had a smile which could light up Wembley Stadium, winning the hearts of millions of football fans around the world. Six-year-old Bradley Lowery united supporters from across the most bitter footballing divides in hopes and prayers as he battled on despite being stricken with cancer. Yesterday, thousands turned out in Bradley’s hometown to mourn the little Sunderland fan and to celebrate his all-too-short life. At his funeral service, they heard a poignant poem written by his mum Gemma, which included the line: “We will meet again - our superhero up in the sky”. The congregation also heard from Bradley himself – as a recording of him singing Charlie Chaplin’s Smile was played. Gemma, Bradley’s dad Carl and brother Kieran, 15, all wore Sunderland shirts in his honour. The Black Cats’ former striker Jermain Defoe, who called Bradley his “best pal”, sported an England shirt bearing the legend “Bradley No 6”.
The star, who flew home from preseason training with his new club Bournemouth in Spain, wiped tears from his eyes as he followed Bradley’s coffin into the church.
He was joined by many other players and representatives of the club, where Bradley became a beloved mascot.
A lone piper played as Bradley’s red and white coffin passed through the streets of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, on a horse-drawn carriage.
Onlookers wore the colours of their teams – Sunderland, Newcastle, Everton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Celtic, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough – at the request of Gemma and Carl.
Others wore superhero costumes in
tribute. Spontaneous applause rang out and balloons flew through the air as Bradley, who died last week from the rare cancer neuroblastoma, made his final journey from home.
A packed church heard that he had died as he had lived, surrounded by love and in the arms of his devoted parents.
Gemma’s touching poem began: “A smile so big and beautiful it could brighten any room, a real life superhero who left us far too soon.”
Father Ian Jackson told mourners Bradley was a “bright little boy, a cheeky monkey” who loved cuddles, his dogs Effie and Chase and caravan holidays with his grandparents.
He added: “As a mascot, he became close friends with Jermain Defoe and because of Sunderland football club, Bradley and his family have experienced so many wonderful memories for which they will always be grateful.”
Sunderland team chaplain Marc Lyden-Smith told the congregation: “With a pure and innocent love of the beautiful game, Bradley brought people together. He’s been much more than a mascot to Sunderland. We will always remember the lessons we have learnt from this incredible little boy.
“Lessons about unity, about inner strength, about loving relationships. And whatever our colours, we’ve learnt that we have more in common than what separates us.”
The chaplain added: “He’s been an encouragement to many with a loving smile. “Above all, he’s been a beloved baby and a bundle of joy and pride to Gemma and Carl, whose dignity and love has been there for all to see. Not bad going for such a short life.” As the cortege left the church with the family and their close friends for a private cremation, balloons were released by the crowds outside, carrying the message: “RIP Bradley, fly high in the sky.” They were greeted with spontaneous applause.
Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 18 months old. Having been in remission, he relapsed last year and his parents were told in December his illness was terminal.
He raised almost £1million for charity in his short life. Generous donors gave more than £800,000 to take him to America for treatment.
Almost all of that will now go to the foundation set up in his name, while another £145,566 has been paid into the fund set up when he died.
His legacy of love will go to help the families of other sick children.
Meanwhile, the campaign to have the East Stand at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light named after Bradley has broken its target of 49,000 signatures. Organisers called it a “huge milestone”. www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ bradleylowerysfight