Well-wishers targeted by fake Bradley donations plea
CLAIM FRAUDSTERS SET UP PAGES
Reporter HEARTLESS con artists have set up fake pages Bradley Lowery’s name to line their pockets.
Tricksters are using the profiles to gain likes and get unsuspecting well-wishers to donate cash to unofficial fundraising pages, according to the six-year-old’s loved ones.
In a post on Bradley’s official page, mum Gemma also revealed the Sunderland AFC super-fan is “fighting on” as his condition continues to deteriorate.
Bradley is now in the final stages of terminal childhood cancer neuroblastoma and his family are cherishing every moment. Gemma, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, said: “Bradley is very weak now but is still fighting on in true Bradley style. “He will only go when he decides, n o one else.” The campaign’s fundraising manager, Lynn Murphy, added: “We have been made aware of fake pages created in Bradley’s name to gain likes and even have JustGiving pages linked to them. Please be vigilant.” It is feared that unscrupulous Facebook users could be cashing in by pretending to collect donations Gemma Lowery for Bradley’s cause.
Bradley was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months and battled it for more than two years before he went into remission.
In July 2016, the happy-go-lucky youngster relapsed and doctors later came to the conclusion there was nothing more they could do.
Funds raised by the official campaign will be used to help other children who are diagnosed with cancer.
Bradley’s family previously revealed in an emotional post that their Facebook page had become the target of disrespectful messages asking when the young lad was “going to die”.
Family friend Lynn wrote on Friday morning: “When the time comes it will be put on Bradley’s official Facebook (here) and Twitter before anywhere else.”
During his battle, Bradley has struck up a heartwarming friendship with footballer Jermain Defoe.
And as Defoe, 34, departed Wearside for Premier League club Bournemouth AFC on this week, he had a message for his little fighter.
He wrote on Twitter: “I’d like to thank all the Sunderland fans for their support and everyone else involved with the football club. I had an amazing time with so many great memories.
“I’m going to miss so many people at the club, from the canteen staff and the chef to the laundry girls and the cleaners, who always made the boys smile no matter what.
“I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I have ever come across. The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle – a goal people still come up and talk to me about!!”
Neither Durham Constabulary nor Northumbria Police said they had any reports following the claims.