Bradley Lowery Foundation announces auction of Sunderland and Everton shirts as part of fundraiser

A charity set up in honour of a brave little boy is gearing up to host its annual fundraiser – but with a difference.
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This year’s Cancer Has No Colours drive – held every year by the Bradley Lowery Foundation – will call on football fans of all ages to fly their club’s colours from home in exchange for a £1 charity donation.

Bradley Lowery, a Sunderland fan from Blackhall, was just six when he died in July 2017 following a battle with neuroblastoma cancer.

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His heartbroken family and friends channelled their grief into the creation of a charity in his name, dedicated to supporting the causes of poorly children, who are facing a range of challenges with treatment, equipment and fundraising.

Bradley Lowery died in July 2017 following a battle with neuroblastoma cancer.Bradley Lowery died in July 2017 following a battle with neuroblastoma cancer.
Bradley Lowery died in July 2017 following a battle with neuroblastoma cancer.
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Each year, to coincide with the anniversary of his passing on July 7, the Foundation team hosts Cancer Has No Colours in honour of Bradley’s love of football.

And though not as many supporters may not be able to fly their football colours in work or at school this year, mum and charity CEO Gemma Lowery is hoping the event’s spirit will still inspire people to take part at home.

The Foundation will also offer fans the opportunity to bid for a number of limited-edition shirts worn by players during Everton and Sunderland’s Carabao Cup third-round match, played at Goodison Park in September 2017.

Bradley Lowery with mum Gemma Lowery on his sixth birthday in May 2017.Bradley Lowery with mum Gemma Lowery on his sixth birthday in May 2017.
Bradley Lowery with mum Gemma Lowery on his sixth birthday in May 2017.
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The one-of-a kind shirts include the Bradley Lowery Foundation logo in place of the teams’ usual shirt sponsors.

They were worn by the likes of Johnny Williams, Lamine Koné and England international Michael Keane.

The Toffees were Bradley’s ‘second favourite’ team after his beloved Black Cats, with both sides going above and beyond to help the youngster and his family make special memories in the final months of his life.

Like other charities, the Foundation's work has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdown measures.

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During the Covid-19 restrictions, Gemma and her team have been working at other ways to support the young people under its charge, including hosting online games and quizzes.

The mum-of-two said: “Bradley was an inspiration to many football fans, he loved football and he truly proved that cancer has no colours, bringing fans from all clubs together.

‘’When Bradley was mascot for Everton, his dad, Carl, came up with the slogan Cancer Has No Colours because cancer does not discriminate on age, gender or race. It affects everyone.

“Cancer Has No Colours is about bringing everyone, from all walks of life together to remember Brad and raise vital cash to help those families in need.

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‘’With a lot of people still isolating at home, it’s a brilliant opportunity for families get involved with the campaign too.”

Cancer Has No Colours will start on Sunday, July 5 and run until Sunday, July 12.

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