Last season Bradley Lowery captivated the hearts and minds of the footballing community both on and off the pitch. Raising money for the legacy he left behind, Everton opened the doors of Goodison Park on the weekend to host a charity game in Bradley's memory.
With personalities from English stage and screen descending on Goodison Park along with players past and present, this was a chance to pay respects to a child who will continue to provide inspiration to many forever. While the Bradley Lowery foundation was established to help his fight against Neuroblastoma, funds raised will also go to help other children suffering from the illness. To date, almost half a million pounds has been raised and the powerful legacy this hero leaves will go on to support many others who endure what he did.
From Peter Beardsley to Olly Murs there were many household names on each side which notably donned the blue of Everton and the stripes of Sunderland. Bradley, a Sunderland fan was famously a mascot for the club he supports when Everton visited The Stadium of Light last season. It built a connection between the Everton faithful as well as the wider football world and as a result Everton invited Bradley to many games last season so it was a fitting location for this fixture to take place. Everton are very much a club looking to reflect a powerful community and with this a prime example, it's a showing of strength that football can bring.
You can donate to the Bradley Lowery Foundation here.
Photography by Hannah Cassidy.
