On May 16, 2026, what would have been Bradley Lowery’s 15th birthday, Everton will host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium. This poignant matchday will honor Bradley, who became a beacon of hope during his battle with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.
Emotional Tribute for Bradley Lowery
Bradley’s parents, Carl and Gemma, will attend the match as special guests. This event also features a tribute banner, supported by both Everton and Sunderland fans, reflecting their united response to childhood cancer awareness.
Bradley captured the hearts of many when he was the mascot for Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light in September 2016. Following that match, the late Everton chairman Bill Kenwright donated £200,000 to assist with Bradley’s treatment. The bond between Bradley and Everton deepened during the reverse fixture in January 2017, where he was famously carried onto the pitch by Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.
Ongoing Commitment by the Clubs
The remembrance of Bradley does not end with this tribute. The Bradley Lowery Foundation, established by Gemma, has been pivotal in supporting families dealing with cancer treatment. The foundation backed Everton’s mascot program during September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Gemma spoke about the significance of this occasion, saying, “To see fans coming together to remember Bradley is an emotional and proud moment for our family.”
Highlighting Childhood Cancer Issues
Besides honoring Bradley, the matchday will also spotlight the challenges faced by children with cancer. Eleven-year-old Kaiden Edwards, diagnosed with medulloblastoma, will participate in the pre-game ceremony. He will walk onto the pitch wearing an oversized shirt that reads “2 BIG” as part of the Children With Cancer UK’s ’Too Big’ campaign.
- Kaiden’s diagnosis: Medulloblastoma, a rare brain cancer.
- Journey includes major surgery, proton beam therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Campaign aims for safer, child-specific treatment options.
Kaiden’s mother, Kathryn Edwards, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the need for kinder treatments rather than adult-based protocols. The ’Too Big’ campaign aims to raise awareness and enhance funding for childhood cancer research.
Conclusion
The match on Sunday serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community support. Everton and Sunderland fans will unite to honor Bradley Lowery’s legacy while advocating for vital changes in childhood cancer treatment. These efforts offer hope to many families facing similar battles.
To support the Bradley Lowery Foundation and the ’Too Big’ campaign, visit their respective websites for more information.
