Fundraiser promises to dedicate Best of Wearside honour to battling Bradley Lowery

Michael Eggleston, 40, has spent more than three years working towards raising funds to cover the cost of Bradley Lowery’s vital cancer treatment.

From charity evenings with Sunderland AFC greats like Kevin Ball, to giving the Blackhall youngster the chance to be team mascot at their game against Everton, Michael has gone above and beyond to raise funds.

The five-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013, and following gruelling chemotherapy and numerous operations, he was declared to be in remission in 2015.

But sadly, the cancer returned and Bradley’s family are now trying to fund potentially life-saving treatment in the USA.

Since the start, dad-of four Michael has been one of the main driving forces in raising funds and now his hard work has been recognised with a nomination for a Fundraiser of the Year Award.

The nomination said: “Since 2013 he’s raised a load of money for Bradley Lowery through events with Dennis Tueart and Peter Reid in 2013.
“He has also displayed Bradley’s flag at the Stadium of Light and had it signed and photographed with numerous players past and present, helping to raise awareness.
“He arranged for Bradley’s brother Kieran to visit the training ground and meet the players and brought numerous companies on board to support Bradley.

“He even arranged for Bradley to be mascot against Everton, which got worldwide coverage on live TV and was a big boost to his fundraising.”

Michael, from Hatfield Place, Peterlee, said he was delighted and humbled to be nominated, but stressed that if he should win, his award would be dedicated to Bradley.

He said: “I am shocked and humbled to be nominated for this award.
“I don’t do the charity work for the recognition, I just do what I can for Bradley.
“I have known him since he was just one year old, as my son went to the same nursery.

“After his first diagnosis I organised a dip in the sea at Seaton Carew and the fundraising has just steam rolled from there.”

He added: “To win the award would mean that what I am doing is having an effect and people are taking notice of the fundraising and it may help raise further funds.

“If I won, I would dedicate the award to Bradley and all the people who have raised funds for his cause.”

Now comes the search for this year’s champions.

The Best of Wearside Awards 2016 are under way and sponsors are Calsonic Kansei, Gentoo, Vantec, Station Taxis, TWR, and Sunderland Live.

This year’s categories are; Green Champion; Student of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Sporting Achievement; Community Group; Community Champion; Local Hero; Child of Achievement; and Child of Courage.

To nominate, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email, to Lynn Wild by 5pm on Friday, December 30, 2016.

Entries should be emailed to: [email protected] or posted to: Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5RA.