Super Brad's Pad, a holiday home in Scarborough created by the Bradley Lowery Foundation, opened this week after years of work and £1 million in fundraising. The home is designed to support families going through difficult situations involving a child with complex medical needs or a disability.
Bradley's legacy lives on
Bradley Lowery, aged six, died in 2017 after being diagnosed with high risk stage four neuroblastoma. His story won hearts around the world. His mother, Gemma Lowery, told ChronicleLive that the charity created in Bradley's name has gone from strength to strength, with the holiday home being the most ambitious project to date.
Gemma explained how the space was designed to allow families to spend time with each other and "make memories." She said: "The idea came from our experience being in hospital with Bradley. I would be in hospital with him. My son would be with my parents, my husband would be working away - we still had to pay the bills - and our family was split up. You just don't get that quality time together."
Designed for families
The holiday home has five bedrooms and has been designed specifically to cater for family groups in such situations. Gemma added: "We were able to have a couple of caravan holidays but I think it is so important for the likes of nanas and granddads, aunties, uncles and cousins to be able to make memories together too."
The first family to visit will include Michelle Creaser and her son Charlie, who has cerebral palsy. Sixteen-year-old Charlie has undergone major surgery this year, supported by the Bradley Lowery Foundation, and also lost his father.
First family's emotional response
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."
She added: "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 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.
