Thumbs up to raise funds for Bradley
PLAYERS AND FANS HAVE ALL JOINED THE CAMPAIGN
FOOTBALLERS and celebrities have taken social media by storm by recreating little Bradley Lowery’s trademark double thumbs up pose.
The six-year-old Sunderland AFC fan tragically lost his battle against neuroblastoma in July.
After being diagnosed at just 18 months old, he went on to capture the hearts of the nation by bravely smiling through his gruelling fight against the disease.
Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, was often pictured making the big thumbs up gesture while wearing his Black Cats shirt.
Now, sports stars and fans have been sharing photographs on social media of them recreating the trademark pose using the hashtag #ForBradley.
It is in support of a campaign by the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Sunderland AFC to raise money for a holiday home, named Bradley’s place.
It will give children battling life-threatening illnesses and their families a place to go to create some lasting memories.
Among those to share pictures online was former Sunderland striker and Bradley’s best friend, Jermain Defoe.
The England star struck up a close bond with the six-year-old and often visited him in hospital during his fight against the disease.
Everton players Leighton Baines, Yannick Bolasie, Mason Holgate and Oumar Niasse also backed the campaign, making the gesture Bradley often made at Goodison Park. And former Black Cats defender Anton Ferdinand, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer and players from Celtic and Carlisle United shared pictures online.
Football fans travelling to matches up and down the country also posted photographs in support of the cause. Speaking about the campaign, Bradley’s mum, Gemma, said: “One of our favourite memories is taking Bradley on holiday to Scarborough.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Sunderland AFC suggested that we could create similar memories for other families.
“Since Bradley’s sad passing in July we have worked tirelessly to ensure a positive legacy will come from his personal fight, and I’m sure Bradley will be watching over everyone and be very proud that his legacy will now help others.” Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer backs #ForBradley campaign Sunderland AFC players back the #ForBradley campaign