Gemma Lowery has called for her late son Bradley to be remembered with love after footage emerged appearing to show a Coventry supporter using his image to taunt Sunderland fans. In a statement shared via the Bradley Lowery Foundation, she described the incident as 'heartbreaking'.
Mother's emotional plea
Bradley captured the hearts of Sunderland supporters and football fans across the country as he fought neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. He passed away aged just six in July 2017, and his legacy lives on through the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
In her statement, Gemma said: "My beautiful boy deserves to be remembered with love, not hate." She added: "Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters. As Bradley's mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it's one of my favourite photographs of him."
Call for action
Gemma, who has previously spoken out against similar behaviour, urged the club to respond. She said: "I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad's family help him understand how hurtful his actions were." She also asked supporters not to direct hatred towards the individual, saying: "I don't want hatred directed towards him, so please please don't, just for him to learn from this."
She continued: "Behind that photograph is a little boy who was loved beyond measure and a family who miss him every day. Thank you to everyone who has defended Bradley and shown us so much love. It means more than you know."
Legacy of the foundation
Gemma highlighted the continued impact of Bradley's story, noting that because of him, children's lives are being saved and hundreds of families have received vital support. She said: "Through Super Brad's Pad, families can escape hospital life, spend precious time together and make memories that last forever. That is Bradley's legacy."
Coventry City said in a statement: "Coventry City FC is aware of footage circulating on social media in connection with an incident during our Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The club does not tolerate offensive behaviour and will liaise with the relevant authorities to determine the appropriate course of action."
Since the footage spread, scores of Coventry supporters have rallied behind the Bradley Lowery Foundation, making donations and leaving messages of solidarity. Bradley had formed a bond with then-Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe in 2017, serving as mascot against Everton. Defoe said in 2023: "He will always be in my heart, for the rest of my life."
