Stars turn out for Bradley’s new foundation
YOUNGSTER TOUCHED HEARTS OF SO MANY
THE red carpet was rolled out last night for a gala ball to launch the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
The charity raises money in Bradley’s name to build a legacy of helping families who have poorly or disabled children. Sunderland fan Bradley died in July, after a brave battle with neuroblastoma, which is a rare form of cancer. His story inspired people around the globe, who raised money to pay for medical treatment which Bradley could not access on the NHS.
Bradley’s foundation will support children in financing medical care which they can not get through the health service. It has been helping families for months, but was officially launched at Gateshead’s Hilton hotel last night.
Businesses and football clubs were among the organisations which attended the £100-per-head dinner. Sunderland AFC captain John O’Shea, manager Chris Coleman, midfielder Lee Cattermole and former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper were among those on the red carpet ahead of the ball.
Joining them was Jermain Defoe, who befriended Bradley when the striker played for Sunderland. Bradley’s mum, Gemma, was also there. She has spoken about how her son’s foundation will make sure Bradley’s life had a purpose, while she wants to do anything she can to stop other families going through the grief which the Lowerys have experienced. On the night, the foundation auctioned off prizes to raise money. They included boxes for matches at the Stadium of Light and a VIP lunch at Everton Football Club. Everton donated £200,000 to Bradley’s campaign in 2016 and also hosted a charity football match at Goodison last year.
There was also a performance by singer Nick Mcque, who has written charity single ‘Fly High Bradley,’
which is released today and is available on platforms including iTunes and Spotify.
Children who have already been helped The Bradley Lowery Foundation include Alfie Smith. Alfie has cerebral palsy and needed £50,000 for an operation to enable him to walk. Within 14 weeks, his fundraising target was achieved. Now Alfie can stand without assistance, which has had not been able to do for 10 years.
The Foundation has also helped buy specialised bed and sensory equipment to for Harry Mogan, who has a range of conditions affecting his mobility.