‘Thank you for an amazing send off’
Bradley Lowery’s mum has thanked people for giving him an “amazing send off ” at his funeral.
The six-year-old passed away earlier this month after a brave fight against childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
His funeral took place in his home town of Blackhall Colliery on Friday, with thousands of people turning out, many dressed in football shirts, to say goodbye to a boy who had captured the hearts of the nation.
Other events took place across the North East in tribute to the youngster who in the past year had been a mascot for his beloved Sunderland AFC, as well as Everton and England.
In a post on Facebook, Bradley’s mum Gemma wrote: “Thank you so much for everyone that came and helped give Brad an amazing send off.
“It was very overwhelming, but I was very proud of how brave my amazing family and friends were. I would also like to say a huge thank you to all the staff from the RVI for always doing everything in their power to get my boy better.
“NHS can sometimes get bad press, but in my experience they have been amazing and couldn’t of done any more.
“I’m going to take a few weeks off to grieve now, but once I’ve did that the Bradley Lowery foundation will be well on its way to supporting other children.”
Among those at the funeral at St Joseph’s Catholic Church were Bradley’s close friend, former Sunderland footballer Jermain Defoe, as well as SAFC manager Simon Grayson and former boss David Moyes.
Sunderland AFC chaplain Father Marc LydenSmith praised Gemma and Bradley’s dad Carl for the dignity and love they have shown throughout his ordeal.
Bradley’s coffin was brought to the church in a horse-drawn carriage, led through the village by a piper playing Amazing Grace and followed by superhero characters.
Spontaneous applause broke out in the crowd as the cortege passed.
Across the region, people are continuing to hold tribute and fundraising events in honour of Bradley.
A group of adults and children gathered at Shiney Row roundabout at noon yesterday, to pay their own tributes.
Clutching blue balloons emblazoned with the youngster’s name, the group shouted “there’s only one Bradley Lowery” before letting their balloons float away up into the sky. The group then burst into applause.