Bradley Lowery
The upcoming match between Everton and Sunderland will be a poignant occasion, as both clubs come together to honor the legacy of Bradley Lowery, a young boy who inspired many with his brave battle against Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. This fixture will not only pay tribute to Bradley but also spotlight the ongoing challenges faced by children living with cancer, as part of the Children With Cancer UK’s ‘Too Big’ campaign.
Bradley Lowery’s mother said: “The two clubs [Everton and Sunderland] have both been absolutely amazing. It’s precious to me because they were fantastic when Bradley was alive, but to continue that support, and to help us to continue his legacy, has been incredible. The awareness they have both raised has been really important. It gets people talking about childhood cancer and gets people wanting to do fundraising activities, which in turn, helps us to help other families.”
Kathryn Edwards, Kaiden’s mother, said: “Seeing him walk out at the match will mean so much to us as a family, and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help shine a light on what children like Kaiden go through. No child should have to endure treatments designed for adults when there is the potential for kinder, more targeted options. Campaigns like this give families like ours hope that things can change for future children diagnosed with cancer.”
The match will feature a special moment as 11-year-old Kaiden Edwards, who is battling medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, will walk onto the pitch wearing an oversized shirt with the message ‘2 BIG’. This powerful visual aims to highlight the harsh reality that many children with cancer receive treatments designed for adults, often leading to severe side effects. The ‘Too Big’ campaign seeks to address this issue by advocating for increased funding into research and the development of safer, child-specific treatments.
Everton’s commitment to Bradley Lowery’s legacy remains steadfast, as evidenced by their collaboration with the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which provided mascots for their fixture against West Ham United during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The foundation continues to support families in need of treatment and equipment not available through the NHS, while also funding research into neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.
Sunday’s match is more than just a game; it is a testament to the power of football in uniting communities for a greater cause. It serves as a reminder of the impact Bradley Lowery had on the nation and the ongoing battle against childhood cancer. For those interested in supporting the ‘Too Big’ campaign and contributing to vital research, more information can be found at [Children With Cancer UK](https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/too-big/).
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