Daily Star

I nearly quit charity, says stunned Gemma

- By ANTONY THROWER antony.thrower@dailystar.co.uk

TRAGIC Bradley Lowery’s mum has slammed cruel trolls who accused her of living a “life of luxury” on cash earned in her son’s name.

A charitable foundation was set up to continue the legacy of six-yearold Bradley, who died last year of neuroblast­oma.

But people claimed on Facebook that not all the money reached those who needed it most.

And the nasty comments made Bradley’s devastated mum Gemma consider walking away from the foundation.

Sunderland fan Bradley touched millions of hearts as he bravely battled the rare cancer, especially after he struck up a close friendship with the club’s then striker Jermain Defoe.

More than £1million has been gifted by the charitable foundation to fundraisin­g campaigns, many of which help terminally-ill children.

In a Facebook response to the trolls, Gemma wrote: “The comment really upset me and I couldn’t stop crying. I was at the point where I was going to walk away from it all.” But she added: “The amount of supporting messages and comments is making me more determined now. “The children we’ve helped or are helping is my peace of mind that I did the right thing.” Gemma revealed that the Bradley Lowery Foundation is due to have an audit next week and she is “looking forward” to its publicatio­n to stop the unkind whispers.

Lynn Murphy, head of communicat­ions and fundraisin­g with the foundation, said they had received several trolling messages. The Star Says: Page 6

 ??  ?? GUEST OF HONOUR: Bradley meets England football manager Gareth Southgate
GUEST OF HONOUR: Bradley meets England football manager Gareth Southgate
 ??  ?? TRAGIC: With Gemma
TRAGIC: With Gemma

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