The Bradley Lowery Foundation has opened Super Brad's Pad, a five-bedroom holiday home in Scarborough designed for families with children who have complex medical needs or disabilities. The home opened on Tuesday after around £1 million was raised to make it possible.
Gemma Lowery's emotional reaction
Bradley's mum, Gemma, described the opening as "incredible" and said it was a proud moment. She told ChronicleLive: "The opening was incredible. It's been such a stressful time in the lead-up to this! You know there are always going to be so many things to sort - we were up 'til 11 at night the night before, then early in the morning! But it was amazing to walk outside and see all of the people outside of the holiday home. It was so overwhelming. It was both a bit of a relief but also I am so proud. We did it. We got it open!"
Gemma explained that the key thing was that now families could spend precious time together in the holiday home, which has been specially designed to support families to make the best memories they can. She added: "It is so amazing that we are able to give people this opportunity. It's not about me or the foundation. It's not even really about Brad, it's about the families we are supporting now and in the future being able to come and make memories."
Continuing Bradley's legacy
Bradley, a Sunderland fan, won hearts across the country during his journey with high risk neuroblastoma. He died in 2017, but his memory has lived on through the foundation. Gemma said: "For me, that's the most important thing in life. If you a family member, those memories are all you have and unfortunately not everyone has the support I had with Bradley. Not everyone gets to go to nice places and make memories. To have achieved this is a bit surreal at the moment. I have been working on it for so long - it's taken so much of my time - and it's not sunk in yet! It's such a proud moment though. I hope Brad is upstairs looking down on us and proud of how his mam is carrying on his legacy."
The five-bedroom home, which will welcome up to one hundred families each year, has been specially designed to give children with complex medical needs and disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a holiday with their loved ones, away from the pressures of hospitals, appointments and treatment.
Foundation's ongoing support
The holiday home's opening comes as the Foundation continues to support families going through complex medical situations however they can. This includes funding a new support worker at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary and giving "hero hampers" with essentials to families facing emergency admissions to hospital.
Gemma added: "Seeing Super Brad's Pad finished and ready to welcome families is incredibly emotional. There have been challenges along the way, but knowing what this home will mean to so many children and their families makes every moment worthwhile. We can't change what these families are going through, but we can give them somewhere to step away from it for a little while, be together and make memories that will last a lifetime."
Former footballer Jermain Defoe, who struck up a moving friendship with Bradley during his time playing for Sunderland and has continued to back the Foundation, said: "I'm so proud to continue supporting the Bradley Lowery Foundation and everything Gemma and the team are doing to keep Brad's legacy alive. Gemma has worked so hard to make Super Brad's Pad perfect for the families who will stay here. I know how much thought, love and care she has put into every part of it. For families going through incredibly difficult times, having somewhere they can get away together and make precious memories is so important. Brad touched so many people's lives, and it means a lot to me to still be part of his legacy. I know Brad will be looking down so proud of his mam and everything she has achieved in his name."
First family to stay
At the opening, 16-year-old Charlie and his mum Michelle Creaser were present. They are the first family to get to stay at the home. Charlie, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, has endured surgery, the death of his dad, and passed his GCSEs in the past year. The foundation has supported Charlie and his family for several years.
Michelle said: "Charlie has had such a difficult year, and I couldn't be prouder of the way he has coped with everything, including losing his dad and undergoing major surgery. Receiving the phone call from Gemma to say that we had been chosen as the first family to stay at Super Brad's Pad was incredibly emotional, especially as it came on the first anniversary of Charlie's dad's death. The Foundation has always held a special place in my heart. Whenever we need them, I know they will be there, and they never fail to put a smile on Charlie's face."
Super Brad's Pad has been made possible through £1 million of fundraising and the generosity of supporters, businesses and organisations that have contributed materials, equipment, services and expertise. The Bradley Lowery Foundation will continue to manage the home, ensuring families can enjoy precious time together in Bradley's memory for many years to come.
