We will NEVER forget Bradley
PUPILS IN TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO TRAGIC CLASSMATE
BRADLEY Lowery’s classmates have dedicated a touching tribute to their brave young friend.
Pupils from Blackhall Colliery Primary School, in Bradley’s home town, joined in one voice to sing ‘Smile for Bradley,’ written especially for the inspirational Sunderland fan.
The performance was led by Year One pupils who joined school at the same time as Bradley, and studied and played alongside him.
The song – a reworking of the classic ‘Smile’ by local sister duo Liv n’ G with new lyrics penned for Bradley – has become a positive way for the youngsters to remember their friend.
Head teacher Joanna Clark said: “Singing the song is their tribute to Bradley. I think that’s given them something fun to focus on, and we’ve told them about how the song is raising money for other poorly children, and they understand that they are part of that, and I think that helps.”
In a touching assembly, Ms Clark shared some happy memories of Bradley with the students – making teachers and children laugh with stories which reflected his cheeky, fun-loving nature.
Photographs showed some of the best moments of his time at the school, including Bradley having fun on school trips, enjoying a passion for fancy dress and making a mess with paints.
The tragic news of Bradley’s death came at what should have been a happy time for the school, while they were celebrating their summer fair.
Teachers let the youngsters enjoy the celebration before they were told what had happened, but they wanted to honour the little fighter.
All money raised from the fair will go to creating a special play area, named in Bradley’s honour – a fitting way to remember a lad who loved adventure and the outdoors.
The school will also be holding a picnic and balloon release, with pupils dressing up in football shirts of their favourite teams.
Ms Clark said: “We want it to be a celebration of his life. We know it’s going to be very difficult and sad, but we also want it to be happy, to reflect on how important he has been in our school and in our community.
“Bradley has united the whole village, the whole of the North East and, through football, the whole country.
“It’s incredible the amount of support we, as a school, have had.
“It’s really touched us all, and it’s raised awareness of neuroblastoma – a disease many of us had never heard of before Bradley joined our school.”