Sunderland Echo

‘The support has been phenomenal – Bradley’s legacy is living on’

SAFC STARS TURN OUT FOR GALA BALL:

- By Petra Silfverski­old petra.silfverski­old@jpress.co.uk Twitter: @petrasilfv­er

Football royalty turned out in force to support the inaugural charity ball in memory of hero youngster Bradley Lowery.

Walking the red carpet at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton Hotel was late Bradley’s ‘best friend’, former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.

Rubbing shoulders with Jermain and among 300 guests were other sporting stars, including John O’Shea, Steve Harper, Chris Coleman and many more.

The event raised funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s For Bradley campaign.

Six-year-old Bradley, from Blackhall, who lost his fight against neuroblast­oma last summer, stole the hearts of the world with his bravery.

The foundation, which has been set up in Bradley’s name, offers support, advice and encouragem­ent to families undertakin­g their own fundraisin­g campaigns to fund children’s medical treatment and equipment.

Sunderland AFC, meanwhile, launched the For Bradley campaign last November. It aims to create a holiday home, Bradley’s Place, to give families an opportunit­y to spend time together.

Sunday’s glittering ball saw Ray Quinn perform a set after stepping in to replace X Factor star Che Chesterman, who cancelled at the last minute.

Bradley’s mum Gemma said: “I’m happy that we are here, but it’s been very stressful.

“It’s all about having fun and raising awareness about the foundation.

“It’s been very, very emotional. It’s our first gala ball and I wanted everything to be perfect.

“It means Bradley’s legacy is living on” GEMMA LOWERY

“Bradley was so much in the public eye, so we have to keep up that reputation.

“It’s quite intimidati­ng, but I know I can do it.

“The support has been absolutely phenomenal. We have people here from Everton, Middlesbro­ugh, Sunderland and Newcastle and the Football Writers’ Associatio­n as well as members of the community coming together.

“It means Bradley’s legacy is living on and is so important to me as a mum, that everyone is still thinking about my little boy.

“I’m so proud of him and so proud of the foundation and everyone for their support.”

Gemma added that she has met with an architect to discuss plans for holiday home Bradley’s Place.

 ??  ?? Bradley’s mum Gemma Lowery.
Bradley’s mum Gemma Lowery.
 ??  ?? Former Newcastle United keeper Steve Harper and right, Sunderland skipper John O’Shea.
Former Newcastle United keeper Steve Harper and right, Sunderland skipper John O’Shea.
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 ??  ?? Jermain Defoe arrives with his partner at a gala ball to celebrate the launch of the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Jermain Defoe arrives with his partner at a gala ball to celebrate the launch of the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
 ??  ?? Sunderland manager Chris Coleman and his partner at last night’s ball.
Sunderland manager Chris Coleman and his partner at last night’s ball.

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