Everton Hill Dickinson
The recent Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium was marked by a heartwarming tribute to Bradley Lowery and Michael Jones, whose birthdays were commemorated during the event. Both families were present as the stadium resonated with applause for Bradley, who would have turned 15, and Michael, who would have been 29.
Gemma Lowery said: “There have been a lot of beautiful tributes and it is absolutely amazing that that family can think about Bradley in their own heartache. It’s incredible that one little boy with that beautiful smile has brought so many people together that wouldn’t normally have anything to do with each other. So you look at the Sunderland-Newcastle rivalry, Newcastle fans are incredible. The football club were really good with us and it is fab that people put the rivalry aside and focus on the cause, which is raising awareness for childhood cancer. But Everton and Sunderland, I think the fans are very, very similar. We’re very similar and they are just amazing. We’ve got a lot of respect for Everton and Everton have got a respect for Sunderland. It’s always difficult because Sunderland’s my team, but Everton holds such a space in my heart – it’s a very difficult time because I want Sunderland to win but I don’t want Everton to lose.”
The occasion was further enriched by Michael Jones’ family, who paid their respects to Bradley by leaving a bouquet of red and white flowers at Michael’s memorial. This gesture was a touching example of unity and compassion, transcending club rivalries and focusing on a shared cause.
Gemma Leary, one of Michael’s sisters, said: “We wanted to acknowledge little Bradley’s birthday as well as our Michael’s. Bradley touched so many hearts. No parent should have to bury their child, it is a heartache that never gets easier. Their work for the Bradley Lowery Foundation is incredible.”
The match also highlighted the Bradley Lowery Foundation’s efforts in supporting children battling cancer. A standing ovation was given in the 26th minute, honoring Bradley’s legacy and the foundation’s mission. The event also supported Children With Cancer UK’s ‘Too Big’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children with cancer. Eleven-year-old Kaiden Edwards, living with medulloblastoma, participated as a mascot, wearing a shirt with the message ‘2 BIG’, symbolizing the campaign’s message.
Kathryn Edwards, Kaiden’s mother, explained: “We try not to look too far ahead because childhood cancer teaches you to take things one day at a time. Kaiden has been fighting this disease for nearly four years, and throughout that time we’ve seen the impact treatment can have on a growing child’s body. No child should have to endure treatments that were originally designed for adults when there is the potential for kinder, more targeted options. Seeing him walk out at the match as mascot means so much to us as a family, and we’re incredibly grateful to Children with Cancer UK for giving him this opportunity and for helping shine a light on what children like Kaiden go through. That’s why campaigns like this matter so much. They give families like ours hope that things can change for future children diagnosed with cancer.”
The event underscored the power of football in bringing communities together, fostering unity, and raising awareness for significant causes. The Bradley Lowery Foundation continues to make strides in its mission, with support from both Everton and Sunderland fans, demonstrating the profound impact of compassion and solidarity.
About The Author
