Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Sport world’s salute to battler Bradley
FOOTIE-MAD Bradley Lowery’s parents got a standing ovation as they collected his gong at the Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Gemma and Carl, both 34, were guests of honour at the BBC bash in Liverpool last night – where Olympic distance running legend Mo Farah took the title and Larne-born Superbike triple world champ Jonathan Rea was named runner-up.
Their son, who died aged six after a battle with rare cancer neuroblastoma that touched millions, was given the Helen Rollason award.
Carl could not fight back the tears and Gemma said: “It is an amazing honour and it is fantastic he has been remembered in this way. I know Bradley will be looking down on us and I feel he is with us all the time. I am overwhelmed but at the same time extremely proud.”
EMOTIONAL
Bradley, who died in July, was recognised for achievement in the face of adversity. And the evening was all the more poignant as he was the special guest in 2016. “It is an emotional occasion after last year,” said Gemma. “It was another special memory for Bradley.”
In a film shown before the presentation by England skipper Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate, Bradley’s “best mate” Jermain Defoe was shown meeting him before he walked out as a mascot at Sunderland.
Defoe, 35, who could not be at the ceremony as he was playing for new club Bournemouth against Liverpool, said: “We had love and trust, it was a real friendship. He was so loving, he would pat me on the back when we had those cuddles and I will never, ever forget that.”
Gemma revealed they still speak with Defoe daily and he remains a pillar of strength.
She and Carl, of Blackhall, Co Durham, have set up the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Gemma said: “Everyone knows Bradley for his smile. He was here six short years but he raised so much awareness of childhood cancer, and we are so proud of him.”