Exclusive:Sunderland end Bradley Lowery Foundation box arrangement amid corporate hospitality changes
Sunderland to withdraw Bradley Lowery box as new hospitality arrangement is offered to foundation.
Sunderland have made changes to their long-standing corporate box arrangement with the Bradley Lowery Foundation, with the Premier League club set to withdraw the complimentary executive area that had been made available to the charity for several years.
The Echo understands the box, which has been used by the foundation since before the 2017-18 season, is set to be sold to a new customer as part of a wider review of the club’s corporate hospitality offering. The move comes amid strong demand for premium matchday experiences, with Sunderland currently holding a waiting list of around 35 potential clients for corporate boxes. It forms part of a broader effort to maximise hospitality revenue as the club adapts its commercial strategy following promotion back to the Premier League.
The facility had been used to host disadvantaged families, providing matchday experiences that would otherwise have been out of reach. Over time, it became a central part of the foundation’s work supporting children and families facing serious illness. Under revised arrangements, Sunderland will continue to offer hospitality access to the Bradley Lowery Foundation in a different format. This will include a table of 10 for six fixtures across the season in the Montgomery Suite, allowing the charity to host up to 12 families.
The club has also offered two additional games for smaller groups of four, in the Boardroom or the Charlie Hurley Suite, providing a quieter setting for more vulnerable children. The Echo understands that while the executive box arrangement has come to an end, Sunderland have indicated they will continue to support the foundation in other ways where possible. Gemma Lowery, Bradley’s mother and co-founder of the charity, said the change marked the end of an era but welcomed the club’s ongoing backing when contacted by The Echo.
“It is sad to see the box go, as it really does mark the end of an era in Bradley’s name,” she said. “That said, I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Sunderland for continuing to support us in other ways. I’m really pleased that we can still offer a hospitality experience to families because over the years, it has been so special to see people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity enjoy such an amazing day.”
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Bradley Lowery, a young Sunderland supporter from County Durham, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. His story gained national attention as Sunderland, its players and supporters rallied around him during his illness. Bradley formed a close bond with the club, most notably with Jermain Defoe, and became a familiar presence at the Stadium of Light.
Following his death in 2017 at the age of six, the Bradley Lowery Foundation was established. Built on a fundraising campaign led by his mother Gemma, which raised more than £1.3million, the charity continues to support children and families facing serious illness. Sunderland’s decision to withdraw the corporate box has emerged in the same month that would have marked Bradley’s 15th birthday. The Echo has approached the club for comment.
Your next Sunderland read: Interim CEO Tom Burwell set for supporter group meeting after ticket and communication issues