Season › 2017-18 › News Bradley Lowery passes away Lyndon Lloyd Friday, 7 July, 2017 114comments | Jump to most recent Bradley Lowery, the young Sunderland boy who captured the hearts of the football world with his battle against neuroblastoma, passed away today his family have announced. He forged a special bond with Evertonians after Everton FC generously pledged £250,000 towards a fund aimed at getting him potentially life-saving treatment in the United States and he was twice invited to be mascot at Goodison Park. His seemingly indefatigable smile belied his illness, even when it was confirmed that his condition was terminal, and his friendship with former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe has been a heart-warming part of his final few months which also saw him lead the England team out at Wembley. Bradley died surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 6. Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright paid tribute to Bradley and his family, saying: "One of football's all-time greats. We are so privileged to have known him... .and will always be proud that he chose us as his second club. “We send our loving thoughts to his mam and dad and his family... plus those who were inspired by him throughout the world of football. "Especially our friends the supporters, team and staff at Sunderland AFC. And of course his beloved Jermain. Respect!! Article continues below video content "One Bradley Lowery. There's only one Bradley Lowery." Reader Comments (114) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Ed Wallis 1 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:13:57 God bless Bradley, rest in peace little fella. Touched our hearts never to be forgotten. Charlie Lloyd 2 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:16:58 Very sad news. RIP Bradley. Sean Kelly 3 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:18:42 God bless Bradley. May you rest in peace and keep smiling down on those who love you. Condolences to his family and friends. Dean Adams 4 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:19:37 I wish his family all the best. He was a real treasure. Albert Jones 5 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:21:21 God Bless Bradley, you little belter, sincere heartfelt condolences to your family. Stephen Ashton 6 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:22:55 Kind of puts everything into perspective. Very sad news he was a little gem who really did make us smile.Best wishes to his family. Anthony Burke 7 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:23:40 So sad. RIP Bradley. Ken Finch 8 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:24:03 Very sad news. RIP little man. Brian Williams 9 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:24:58 RIP little man. You showed more bravery and moved people more in your short life than any footballer ever has or ever will. Thoughts with his family who though devastated should be so proud. Thoughts also with Jermaine Defoe. Peter Creer 10 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:26:29 Sad news but a story that shows the power of football in our lives and the impact caring and love can make no matter how difficult the situation. Keith Johnson 12 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:32:27 God bless. Hope you are playing a game with all the great footballers in heaven Gordon White 13 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:35:20 Sad news. Rest in peace. Dave Williams 14 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:35:54 This is absolutely heartbreaking news and one can only imagine what his poor parents must be going through. This does indeed put life into proper perspective and makes you realise that, provided your family is well, then very little really matters.RIP Bradley – a brave boy and an inspiration to everyone! Tom Magill 15 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:36:10 Very sorry to hear about poor wee Bradley, RIP kid. Colin Glassar 16 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:39:47 Such sad news. Sleep well little man, my thoughts are with you and your family. Davie Turner 17 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:42:24 Take care wee man, such a sad story but such a inspirational young lad. Jim Lloyd 18 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:43:36 Hard to think of the words but Bradley gave so much good emotion and joy to so many fans of Sunderland and Everton. He touched the hearts of so many of us with his bravery. His parents can take comfort that they were blessed with a very special son.Jermaine Defoe, you gave a lot of joy and love to young Bradley, take a bow mate. Brent Stephens 19 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:44:13 He was an inspiration. Wonderfully supported by Jermain Defoe. A sad day. Condolences to the family. Andy Meighan 20 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:45:08 Just in from work to hear this sad, sad news. What an inspiration this beautiful little boy was to everyone. That winning smile will stay with me the rest of my life. Rest in peace, big guy – you captured the hearts of all us blues as well as the rest of the world. David Pearl 21 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:45:31 Poor little boy. He fit in a load of treasured memories. Thoughts and love to his family. Mike Gaynes 22 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:46:13 He and his family went through so much that most of us couldn't even comprehend. My heart goes out to them, and to all the little Bradleys and their families the world doesn't know about. I've read that of all cancer deaths in children, about 15% are caused by neuroblastoma. One of our ToffeeWebbers lost a child to this terrible disease. May there come a time when it takes no more kids, and may it come soon. Vineet Sood 23 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:48:25 Heartbreaking news. My admiration went out to Defoe after watching his emotional interview earlier. Makes me proud to be a toffee when I think about what our wonderful club did in an attempt to help perhaps save his life. May his soul rest in peace. Liam Reilly 24 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:49:06 I've two little boys 4 and 5 and can't even begin to imagine how his family must be feeling. Heartbreaking - truly truly tragic news. Rest in peace, little man. Tony Heron 25 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:50:30 How often are footballers referred to as "heroes" or "brave". Well here's a little lad who was a 100% genuine hero and as brave as they come. Sleep peacefully little man, we will always remember you and your wonderful smile. Condolences to your wonderful family and all who were close to you including the inspirational Jermaine Defoe. Ajay Gopal 26 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:51:27 He had the brightest smile that I have ever seen. RIP. Jermaine Defoe has earned the universal respect of football fans around the world. What a person! Colin Grierson 27 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:51:46 Terribly sad news. During Defoe's interview when he signed for Bournemouth, he said that he had felt privileged to have been a part of Bradley's life and would cherish the memories. Condolences to all of Bradley's family and to Jermain who showed admirable class in the way he has conducted himself with Bradley.R.I.P. Kev Johnson 28 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:52:07 RIP little fellow, heartbreaking news. John Davies 29 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:53:41 RIP little man. Taken far too soon. So sad for his lovely family. Neil Wood 30 Posted 07/07/2017 at 16:58:21 Sleep tight little man. Big love to all your family and friends. With Lukaku going for £90 million, it kinda makes you feel we have everything upside-down, don't we? RIP xx Steve Jones 31 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:00:21 So proud when the club waded in and backed this little lad up – had so much hope that the support would see him pushed in to the clear. Literally hollows you to read this and you can't imagine the pain his family must be in. Miserable day. Ray Robinson 32 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:00:28 RIP,. Bradley. Top lad. And total respect to Jermaine Defoe, top bloke. David Price 33 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:03:37 The courage shown by Bradley and his family was inspiring. So sad, I'm sure we wish his family strength to get through.Hope Sunderland do him proud with success in the future..God bless the little man with the huge spirit. Steve Cotton 34 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:04:08 Sleep well Bradley. Tears for your young life. xxxx Sue Brown 35 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:04:09 Very sad news, a beautiful brave little fella who touched many of us with his courageous fight, never giving up. Sleep well little man. Ary Lima de Moraes 36 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:05:35 RIP Bradley. Glad the club helped in any ways possible. Makes me proud in a sad moment. Jay Wood 37 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:09:43 Poor wee lad and terrible for his family.At least they enriched his short life and banked up plenty of wonderful memories, thanks in no small part to the football community.I am proud that Everton was very much to the forefront in aiding that.Sleep well, Bradley. Mike Gaynes 38 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:13:24 If you haven't seen Defoe's press conference comment, watch it here, along with a lovely BBC tribute to the little lad:http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40525247 Jonny Flynn 39 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:16:54 Rip little Bradley. So sorry for you and all your family. Glad you got to be part of our club you touched all our hearts. Jermaine defoe what you did for that boy was amazing. Xx Paul Ferry 40 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:16:58 Heartbreaking. Inspirational. Humbling. There is something wonderful in Bradley slipping away in his mum and dad's arms. RIP Bradley. Thoughts with Bradley's family and Jermain Defoe. James Morgan 41 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:17:15 Can't help but well up at this news. What a brave little soldier he was. It must be heartbreaking for his family, they have been so strong in such horrific circumstances. It certainly puts things in perspective. Well done to both Sunderland and Everton FC for the class and support they showed for him, and huge respect to Jermaine Defoe, footballers often get a bad rep but he has shown great compassion towards young Bradley. RIP, mate. Sur Jo 42 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:18:28 Rest In Peace, my little man. We will miss you, Bradley. Paul Hughes 43 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:22:16 Rest in peace, little man. My heart goes out to the his parents. I hope and pray that they get the strength to get through this terrible time.Respect to Jermaine Defoe. Peter Roberts 44 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:25:30 Amazes me how one little lad with a beaming smile manages to unite football together. I feel for his parents who have to go through the horrible experience of burying their child, but now his body is no longer suffering and I hope they at least take some comfort in that.Rest in peace, Bradley. Alan Bodell 45 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:31:29 Just came in after enjoying the day and then this, RIP little feller. James Hughes 46 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:34:26 That is sad news and I wish all his family all the best. RIP little (big) man. John Dubay 47 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:37:11 Goodnight, little fella. Gordon Crawford 48 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:41:01 Truly heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. No more pain, little man. :( Steve Ferns 49 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:41:15 So sad. Someone so young should not suffer so much. I hope his family find some solice in the love that Bradley was shown from around the world. It did make me have a bit more faith in humanity when we saw the efforts people went to, to give him some special days. John Pickles 50 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:42:42 Heartbreaking and so unfair, no one should have to bury their children.This puts worrying about the ups and downs of the transfer window into perspective. John Audsley 51 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:44:23 Very, very sad news. Had a tear in my eye when I read that earlier. Picking up my youngest son tonight...he got a very big cuddle.Rest in peace son xxxx John Graham 52 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:50:43 Sad sad day. A young man with a big heart and a great smile. Fantastic to see him down at Goodison.As mentioned before, never nice to lose someone so young.Rest in peace, brave soldier. Jack Convery 53 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:58:12 What a BIG star Bradley was - shine brightly you will never be forgotten. Condolences to all his family.Well done Sunderland, Everton and all of Football for the way you took to and treated Bradley during his too short life. Respect. Paul Baxter 54 Posted 07/07/2017 at 17:59:56 As a cancer survivor myself I do volunteer work that involves talking to cancer patients and it is always the children that show the most amazing bravery and put us adults to shame.This little man is truly an inspiration to all of us, Rest in Peace. Brian Wilkinson 55 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:02:46 RIP, young Bradley; our thoughts and prayers go out to your and your family with this sad news.Big thumbs up to Defoe, what a guy. Denis Richardson 56 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:04:10 Really sad news, so so young.RIP Bradley. Kunal Desai 57 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:07:24 Football pales into insignificance. I was in the Bullens Road that day when Defoe brought Bradley out, had goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes that day. You can now rest in peace without any further suffering. May his family be given the strength needed at this difficult time. RIP, little man. Paul Kelly 58 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:15:22 Heartbreaking. Very sad. RIP little fella. Geoff Lambert 59 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:24:13 RIP little man, you brought so much joy and love to everyone that new you.God bless x x x Steve Woods 60 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:50:49 You have gone to a better place far too early and too young. Thoughts and prayers with your family. RIP, little one. Paul Hewitt 61 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:50:52 What a brave little boy Bradley was. RIP XXX Matthew Salem 62 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:53:20 RIP , mate Peter Roberts 63 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:54:10 Rest in peace little man. God bless. Sam Hoare 64 Posted 07/07/2017 at 18:57:13 No parents should have to bury their children. RIP Bradley. Jamie Crowley 65 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:05:55 Much like Liam's thoughts @24, I've 5 sons albeit older at 20,18,16,13, and 8. I can not even fathom how the parents are coping. Chokes me up even thinking of them holding their son while he passed.Rest in peace little fella. Gerard Carey 66 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:07:37 Very sad to hear about Bradley. A brave little fellow. Thoughts with his family at this very sad time for them. Julian Exshaw 67 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:10:30 God love the poor little chap. Well done to Jermaine Defoe and all those in the football family who I imagine brought some relief to the suffering he had to endure. Peter Warren 68 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:11:28 So sad and what a wonderful brave boy he was. Truly an inspiration as too are his wonderful parents. Rest in peace. Rob Halligan 69 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:26:10 So so sad to hear of young Bradley's passing. Here we are, on another thread, arguing about Lukaku, then to hear this just puts things into perspective.Young Bradley, who had the most amazing smile, will be forever in the hearts of all Evertonians.It was a privilege to be at Sunderland last season, and see him as Sunderland mascot. This was when I first heard of his illness. Then to see him at Goodison as our mascot against man city, carried onto the pitch by Lukaku, before taking part in the coaching sessions at half-time. Then again, seeing him as Sunderland mascot when they came to Goodison.RIP young fella, and I'm sure all Evertonians will be rooting for a Sunderland return to the Premier League next season, to make your first 12 months in heaven a pleasurable one. Brian Porter 70 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:33:34 God bless Bradley. Will never forget your beaming smile and your wonderful spirit. Marc Jones 71 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:39:23 RIP, little man; so, so sad. My thoughts are with his family I can't imagine what they're going through!! Just to add to the posts already commending Jermaine Defoe the man has shot up enormously in my estimation with his commitment to Bradley. Well done, Sir, and the football community as a whole. Paul Kossoff 72 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:44:15 God bless Bradley, always had a smile on his face, in Heaven now. Eugene Kearney 73 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:53:19 God bless you, brave little Bradley.RIP. Steve Smith 74 Posted 07/07/2017 at 19:53:52 Heartbreaking, rest in peace, little man. xxx Drew O'Neall 75 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:06:07 Bless you, Bradley, up there with them angels. Drew O'Neall 76 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:08:10 Tremendous credit to Jermain Defoe, a player I would have welcomed at Everton with open arms.Hopefully 'one Bradley Lowery' will be sung at Goodison. Steve Foster 77 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:12:09 RIP Little Man. A true inspiration to us all.Truly heartbroken David Edwards 78 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:15:53 Very sad news! RIP little man – you gave me some of the best memories of last season. My thoughts go to his family. Lovely to see fans and clubs coming together – that's a great legacy! Ray Roche 79 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:19:19 Desperately sad news about Bradley. Lovely little boy. Puts all the football crap into perspective. Defoe has certainly risen even more in my estimation, what a gentleman he has proved to be. I hope he gets a warm reception when he comes to Goodison. Will Mabon 80 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:23:16 Sometimes, things lead you to question what life is all about. So terribly cruel. James Byrne 81 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:45:41 What a heartbreaking story. What a special, beautiful child. Deepest condolences to the Lowery family. RIP young Bradley.Special thoughts go out to Jermaine Defoe, total respect to the lad for his tireless efforts getting Bradley known all over the world. Christy Ring 82 Posted 07/07/2017 at 20:48:54 RIP You brave little man, so sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and your hero Jermaine Defoe. Darren Hind 83 Posted 07/07/2017 at 21:56:39 Heartbreaking. RIP, Son. Steve Bingham 84 Posted 07/07/2017 at 22:12:59 Rest in peace, Bradley, and my condolences to his family. So sad. Aidan Wade 85 Posted 07/07/2017 at 22:15:50 RIPA flash of innocence and humanity that shone brighter than all the monied glitz of the modern game. Mike Gaynes 86 Posted 07/07/2017 at 22:17:19 Well said, Mr Halligan. Dave Abrahams 87 Posted 07/07/2017 at 22:32:04 Some great posts and tributes from my fellow Blues to a brave little boy who put up a great fight to stay with his family. Sometimes life is hard to grasp, like now when it happens to an innocent beautiful little boy, I hope your new life in a better place will bring you the peace and comfort you were denied here.Sincere condolences to your mam, dad and brother. Rest in Peace, Bradley. Peter Mills 88 Posted 07/07/2017 at 22:57:31 Rest in peace Little Guy.Lyndon and Michael, I hope you can find a way to send these deepest condolences and huge respect from all of the Everton family. Tom Dodds 89 Posted 07/07/2017 at 23:02:41 God bless you wee man.I'm guessing you are needed elsewhere. Paul Birmingham 90 Posted 07/07/2017 at 23:19:20 RIP Bradley, you were a true hero and a Legend, you inspired the football world. Sincere condolences to your family friends and Sunderland. You'll be playing in Paradise every day now. God Bless. Steve High 91 Posted 07/07/2017 at 23:54:56 The passing of Bradley should have a profound effort on the business of football. I call upon the Premier League to leverage the obscene projects of modern football and make a statement in the support of childhood disease charities and research.Rest in peace little man, you touched oh so many. Si Cooper 92 Posted 07/07/2017 at 00:21:05 Bradley and his family showed us all what it means to embrace life and ignore the petty differences. A life tragically cut all too short but which has had a massive impact. May we long remember the gift of other people so well represented by Bradley Lowery. Tom Cuffe 93 Posted 08/07/2017 at 02:19:59 Sincere condolences to the Lowery family, Rest in peace Bradley, God Bless. Bob Parrington 94 Posted 08/07/2017 at 08:19:12 Rest in peace mighty young fella! You brightened up the world in the short time you were here. To Bradley's family, sincere condolences. You are incredible people. Our world is a better place for having Bradley in it for even such a short time. Mike Berry 95 Posted 08/07/2017 at 08:38:29 Condolences to his family, a little superstar who touched the hearts of so many. God bless. Tony Heron 96 Posted 08/07/2017 at 08:46:26 Si @92. Just fabulous. David Metcalf 97 Posted 08/07/2017 at 08:58:47 So sad to hear this news. Deepest sympathy to all Bradley's family who must be going through such a tough time right now.Also want to say how good Jermaine Defoe has been...total respect to him. Tony Abrahams 98 Posted 08/07/2017 at 09:21:07 Agree, Si, a story of love, with an absolutely heartbreaking ending.Never met this young kid from Sunderland, who always made me smile, even though my eyes were watering. Tough little character, and his last picture with Jermaine Defoe, "a child in the arms of a man" is so very humbling.With thoughts now for his loving mum, dad, and family, who gave there son so much joy through the pain. I'm genuinely gutted by this news. XX Stephen Jones 99 Posted 08/07/2017 at 09:25:21 Bradley RIP, you little star. Sleep tight, it was a pleasure to see your massive smile on the pitch at Goodison Park when we played your team. God bless little one. I for one will miss that smile so much but I am sure heaven is a brighter place for it. x Alexander Murphy 100 Posted 08/07/2017 at 09:36:04 Bradley, Sunderland fan, the best mate of a class striker, Everton fans' favourite football fan.Very, very sad day.A word to his family who must be deep in grief. "Your little boy inspired so much that is decent in people. Thank you, Bradley." Dale Rose 101 Posted 08/07/2017 at 09:39:08 Very sad. Heartfelt wishes to the family. Terry Underwood 102 Posted 08/07/2017 at 10:02:44 Sleep well little guy. Much love to his family. Mike Rees 103 Posted 08/07/2017 at 10:20:59 Such sad news about Bradley; who has had to fight so much in his all too short life. RIP little fella.To his family and friends I can only extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Ernie Baywood 104 Posted 08/07/2017 at 11:34:13 Such sad news, even if it was inevitable. So proud of what he, his family, our club and the football community did for him and many like him. Barry Pearce 105 Posted 08/07/2017 at 13:24:29 RIP, Young Bradley. All football clubs should be proud for their support, love, and affection of young Bradley. Ian Hollingworth 106 Posted 08/07/2017 at 13:28:43 Adds a little perspective to the transfer hype and lifestyles of some of those involved in the circus that is modern day football.Bradley's was an inspirational story and such a shame it had to end with such a sad loss.Condolences to the family but rest assured Bradley will always have a special place in the hearts of the Everton family. Alan J Thompson 107 Posted 08/07/2017 at 14:50:25 You have our thoughts and tears, RIP. Andy Tudge 108 Posted 08/07/2017 at 17:19:37 Devasting news but as many have said, this day was coming although we all hoped for something else other than this. A truly inspirational little boy with a winning smile that we will all remember for a very long time. I echo the earlier post that we give Jermain a very big Goodison welcome upon his return - a true pro and very decent human being. God speed little man Ian Burns 109 Posted 08/07/2017 at 18:01:55 So proud to be a blue reading all the most sincere of comments. I get a lump in my throats and a tear in my eye each time I think about this brave little boy. I just want to add my own RIP Bradley with deepest of thoughts to his parents and Jermaine Defoe. Andy Finigan 110 Posted 08/07/2017 at 19:54:31 The Everton fans will never forget you with that infectious smile. See you in heaven. Douglas McClenaghan 111 Posted 09/07/2017 at 05:56:15 Courage and grace personified. John Smith 112 Posted 09/07/2017 at 07:24:47 Good night brave boy. Your parents will see you in the morning. Alan Corken 113 Posted 09/07/2017 at 07:32:59 So sorry to hear that this wonderful little lad had died. The pictures with Jermaine last week were heart breaking but inspiring at the same time. Thanks to his family for allowing all of us the privilege of sharing a small part of his short life. David Cornmell 114 Posted 10/07/2017 at 20:24:58 I'm heartbroken, and I only knew Bradley from a distance. An amazing individual and an even more amazing story ended far too soon. Thanks for the perspective and the inspiration Bradley. Your good humour and bravery fighting an evil, unfair disease has helped me – and who knows how many thousands of others – recognise how lucky I am to have what I have, instead of lamenting what I do not. I, like so many others, wished with every fibre of my being for a better outcome for Bradley. It wasn't to be. All that is left to do is celebrate his short life and honour his memory. For me that involves collecting money this week at work for childrens cancer research, something I will do every July 7 now. On a more personal level, it involves facing frustrations and problems with a smile instead of being snarky. If Bradley can face insurmountable odds, the cruelest of luck, the unkown, unimaginable pain and suffering with a smile and a wave then we can all do better. When Bournemouth – As Sunderland probably won't – come to Goodison it would be fantastic to have a minutes applause for Bradley and Defoe in the 6th minute? Geoff Williams 115 Posted 11/07/2017 at 08:56:47 God Bless, RIP Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. About these ads