Sunderland AFC and Everton fans set to take on 200 mile challenge for Bradley Lowery Foundation
Cancer has no colours.
Everton fan Aaron Middlebrough is looking to raise £,3000 for the Bradley Lowery Foundation by cycling from the Stadium of Light to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, arriving in time for the Black Cats fixture against the Toffees on May 17.
Aaron’s friend and Sunderland AFC fan Mark Chapman will be joining him for the 200 mile journey.
Whilst Bradley became synonymous with the Black Cats and their striker at the time Jermain Defoe, Everton also supported the little boy and his family with the club donating £200,000 to help his family’s efforts to receive specialist treatment in the USA.
When Sunderland visited Goodison Park, Bradley was carried onto the pitch by home forward Romelu Lukaku in a Mackems shirt that had the words ‘thank you Everton’ on the back.
Aaron said: “As an Everton fan, I’ll never forget the unity shown between Everton and Sunderland as we came together to support Bradley Lowery — a brave little boy who fought neuroblastoma with incredible courage, and who sadly passed away at just six years old.
“His story brought football rivalries to a halt and reminded us all what compassion, community, and humanity truly look like.”
The two clubs are set to meet on May 17, the date which would have been Bradley’s 15th birthday.
Ahead of the game, Aaron and Mark have set-up a JustGiving page with a target of raising £3,000 for the Bradley Lowery Foundation which was set up in 2017 by Bradley’s parents Gemma and Carl in memory of their son.
The Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children with life-limiting conditions. The JustGiving page has already raised £2,113.
In an accompanying message, Aaron said: “Our ride will take place from May 13 to May 17, covering four full days of cycling, and a short ride on the final day to save ourselves for the game.
“We’re doing this to keep Bradley’s spirit alive, to support families facing similar battles, and to show that the unity he created still shines just as brightly today.
“Any donation, big or small, will make a difference and will help ensure that Bradley’s legacy continues to bring hope to others. In moments like these, football rivalries disappear. Cancer has no colours.”