Shoppers at the Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington, are helping Sunderland AFC and the Bradley Lowery Foundation create a holiday home for sick children and their families, by donating money to the ‘For Bradley’ campaign.
Six local charities have benefited from donations by visitors to the Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington, over the past 12 months, as shoppers donated loose change at a collection point in the shopping centre, and staff have nominated local charities who have each received £500. As well as the Bradley Lowery Foundation, other recipients include Wearside Women in Need, Washington Foodbank, Washington Mind, Washington Rotary Club and If U Care Share.
The ‘For Bradley’ initiative has been created by SAFC to honour the memory of six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, the Blackhall youngster who captured the hearts of football fans around the world as he bravely battled neuroblastoma. The holiday home, known as ‘Bradley’s Place’, will be run by the Bradley Lowery Foundation providing families from across the UK with an opportunity to spend time together.
Rob Moses, operations manager at the Galleries, said: “We are delighted to be able to support local charities and work with many each year helping with fundraising and awareness. Everyone was touched by Bradley’s story and the foundation created in his name and the positive impact that the holiday home will have on others is a fitting legacy. Once we heard about the campaign, we knew that it would be a cause that we wanted to support.”
Lynn Murphy, fundraising manager for the Bradley Lowery Foundation said: “Since Bradley’s sad passing in July we have worked tirelessly to ensure a positive legacy will come from his personal fight. We would like to thank the shoppers and staff of the Galleries Shopping Centre in Washington for their very kind donation. I have no doubt that Bradley is watching over everyone and is very proud that his legacy will now help others.”
SAFC will donate all money raised from sales of special edition adidas home shirts to create ‘Bradley’s Place’. Shirts are available to buy online from safcstore.com or from the SAFC shop in the Galleries. Shirts are priced at £39.99 for juniors and £49.99 for adults.
Thumbs up #ForBradley
The double thumbs up in his little red and white gloves was Bradley’s gesture. SAFC want to make it everyone’s. The club is asking fans to share pictures or videos of themselves giving a double thumbs up, using our #ForBradley hashtag on twitter and Instagram.
For further information about the campaign, how to get involved or to donate visit www.forbradley.co.uk