Sunderland fans urged to help complete an amazing project in memory of Bradley Lowery
‘Nothing like this existed for Bradley. We know what families need because we lived it every day’
He was ‘one of our own’ and now Sunderland fans are being urged to play a vital role in completing a dream home for disabled and sick children - all in memory of Bradley Lowery.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation is building Super Brad’s Pad.
It’s a specially designed respite home for families with children facing life-limiting illness or disability and Black Cats fans are being urged to help get the dream over the line.
Up to 10 people can stay there across five double bedrooms and the dream retreat will give families the chance to spend precious time together away from hospital wards and treatment schedules.
It includes dedicated play areas for younger children and teenagers, accessible living spaces and private outdoor areas for vulnerable children who cannot safely mix with large numbers of people.
The Foundation has already raised almost £1 million to design and build the private luxury retreat which is due to open this summer. It was inspired by the experiences of Bradley Lowery and his family during his cancer battle.
Now former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE is urging North East football fans to once again rally behind Bradley’s legacy and help his mum Gemma Lowery to make the dream come true.
Gemma said: “Nothing like this existed for Bradley. We know what families need because we lived it every day.
“When a child is seriously ill, everything changes. Families can end up split between home and hospital for weeks or months at a time and sometimes people are left dealing with things completely on their own.
“We wanted to create somewhere peaceful, private and safe where families could just be together and make memories away from hospital wards. We wanted the outside to feel part of the home too because not every child is well enough to go outdoors.
“Just before we lost Bradley, we had a special family trip away to Scarborough with his godparents and their children. Those memories mean everything to us now and we hope this place helps lots more families create memories like that together.
“We’ve worked so hard since 2018 to bring this to life. Seeing Bradley’s memory continue helping other children and putting smiles on people’s faces means his journey wasn’t in vain.”
Sir Bob Murray, Chairman of family-owned Omega Kitchens, which has donated the kitchen for the property, said: “North East football supporters have always had huge hearts and nobody looks after their own like people in our region.
“Bradley was one of our own and I hope supporters and businesses right across the North East will help Gemma and the Foundation finish something very special for families who are going through unimaginable times.
“Donating a kitchen was simply our family’s way of helping in a small way, but there are still opportunities for others to support the project and make a real difference.
The Foundation is now seeking support to complete the final interior spaces, including commercial grade beds, sofas, dining furniture and outdoor furniture suitable for families staying at the home year-round.
For more information or to support the project, visit the Bradley Lowery Foundation website https://bradleyloweryfoundation.com/holiday-home/ or contact [email protected]