Bradley’s first ball brings joy

If Sunderland’s footballers showed half the passion we saw on display at the Bradley Lowery Foundation ball, there would be no talk of relegation.

The emotion charged evening was a fitting tribute to the youngster who captured the hearts of the people of the North East and beyond.

And while the players still struggle to deliver on the pitch, there can no faulting the support the club, the players and the fans have given off it for this foundation.

The first of what we trust will be many annual balls for the Bradley Lowery Foundation was a good news story from start to finish.

Famous faces gathered and many more dug deep to help generate as much cash as possible for the this worthwhile cause.

As in his life, Bradley Lowery and his family were at pains to point out that they were not the only ones going through a heartbreaking ordeal.

While Bradley captured the headlines, particularly through the unlikely yet heartwarming friendship with former Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe, mum Gemma always asked people to spare a thought for others.

It’s fitting therefore that the Bradley’s legacy should be a foundation offering support to other poorly children and their families.

That support will not just be financial but also in giving out advice and encouragement.

They are in the perfect place to do so.

Bradley lit up the world with his smile and that special twinkle in his eye which shone out across this wonderful, joyous occasion.

His light will never go out and his legacy, on this evidence, will continue to grow and help others.