Everton to host charity match in memory of young Bradley Lowery

Everton is set to host a charity match in memory of young mascot Bradley Lowrey

The young Sunderland supporter, who's fight against cancer won the hearts of football fans across Merseyside and the country, died earlier this month

His funeral was attended by thousands of people

The celebrity charity game has been arranged in conjunction with the Lowery family and the Bradley Lowery Foundation and, with the assistance of Sellebrity Soccer, will see a host of celebrities lace up their boots for the match which will benefit the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Everton in the Community.

Gemma Lowery, mum of Bradley, said: "I appreciate Sellebrity Soccer putting in the hard work to get the football match arranged to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation. As always, Everton has been amazing in letting it happen at Goodison Park. The support is fantastic."

The match has been inspired by Bradley’s love of football

Evertonians formed a special bond with the youngster, initially during Everton's match at Sunderland in September 2016 and then when he was a guest at Goodison Park for two matches in January and February this year.

He accompanied the Everton team onto the pitch ahead of the Blues’ game against Manchester City in January wearing his Sunderland kit – and was also the Black Cats’ mascot for the Everton v Sunderland fixture in February.

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “There’s little that I could ever add to the tributes to Bradley, that have already been fulsome throughout the world of football – and onwards.

"I didn’t know him for long. But from the second he walked out onto the pitch with his beloved Sunderland Football Club against us, I felt an overwhelming “Blue” need to support him. Farhad and my Everton colleagues immediately supported that need."

“How can you ever tell how much a six year old appreciates, even loves, your support. You can’t really – but he was the loveliest lad. Still an imp – but with the biggest heart!! He told me pretty shortly after he sat in my seat at Goodison, that he would rather be with his Sunderland friends, so hastily left the Directors Box!! Only to give me a hug at the end of the game, and say that Everton was his second team, and that made the pain of losing to us a little bit easier!

“We kept in touch with his magnificent family throughout the weeks and months that he battled like few 6 year olds, and I will treasure forever the little goodnight videos he sent to me. I was so privileged to know him – and his family – for the brief time I did, and I know Evertonians like me, all felt privileged that little battling Bradley Lowery, adopted us as his second Club.

“Everyone at Everton feels honoured to support this match to celebrate the short life of one of football’s all-time greats - There’s Only One Bradley Lowery.

“But you know there might not be. And if there’s any other young kids out there, whose families are facing the problems that Bradley’s faced, and they too could find some solace in the welcoming arms of their Football Club, it is football’s privilege to welcome them without hesitation. To follow Bradley’s lead! We should – and I know we will. It’s still, and always should be, the Beautiful Game.”

The celebrity fixture will be played on Sunday 3 September, kicking-off at 3pm and will feature a host of celebrities.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s and will be available on evertonfc.com/tickets from week commencing 31 July.