Get behind this special night for my pal Bradley
Content Editor JERMAIN Defoe has given his support to the Bradley Lowery Celebrity Charity Match, saying it will be special to watch.
Six-year-old Bradley lost his battle with neuroblastoma in July and a charity match in his memory is set to take place on Sunday at Everton’s Goodison Park.
Former Sunderland player Defoe, now at AFC Bournemouth, forged a close friendship with Bradley and his family, from Blackhall Colliery, after meeting the brave youngster when he was the mascot for the Black Cats in their game against Everton last season.
In the months that followed, Defoe’s support for Bradley and his family touched the hearts of the footballing world, culminating with the duo leading England out at Wembley in March for a World Cup qualifier. Defoe will again be on international duty this weekend, meaning he won’t be able to attend the charity match.
But he has shown his support for the game, saying: “Watching the game will be special for obvious reasons – the relationship I had with Bradley, my best friend, and I am still close to his family.
“I want to thank everton on behalf of the Lowerys, and my family for what they have done and for their support in helping the family in putting on this game; it’s going to be a great occasion. I also want to thank all of the players and everyone involved – it’s for a great cause and hopefully we can raise a lot of money.”
The match, which has been put together with the support of Sellebrity Soccer, will see celebrities lace up their boots in support of the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Everton in the Community.
Bradley’s family have chosen the team names Bradley’s Blues and the Lowery Legends.
Tony Bellew will manage the former, with players including Olly Murs, Shayne Ward, Peter Beardsley and Alan Stubbs.
Katie Price and Roy Evans will be in charge of the Lowery Legends, who include Calum Best, Jeremy Lynch, Josh Cuthbert, Don Hutchinson and Alex Rae.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under16s and can be purchased online at www. evertonfc.com/bradley or over the phone on 0151 556 1878.