Bradley Lowery's mother speaks out after Coventry fan uses late son's photo to taunt Sunderland supporters

Gemma Lowery has called for her late son Bradley to be remembered “with love, not hate” after footage emerged of a Coventry City supporter using a photograph of the young boy to taunt Sunderland fans during a match between the two clubs. The incident prompted an emotional public statement from Gemma, released through the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of football supporters across the country as he battled neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, before passing away aged just six in July 2017. His legacy has continued through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which supports families of children facing serious illness.

“Yesterday, a Coventry fan used a photograph of Bradley to taunt Sunderland supporters,” Gemma wrote. “As Bradley’s mam, this is heartbreaking, especially as it’s one of my favourite photographs of him. Just look at that smile. I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was so happy, having so much fun. Those moments were precious because they were few and far between.”

Gemma said she was not calling for hatred to be directed at the individual responsible, but expressed hope that he would reflect on the impact of his actions. “I’m all for football banter, but surely mocking a child who died from cancer is not banter? I hope the club takes appropriate action and the young lad’s family help him understand how hurtful his actions were. I don’t want hatred directed towards him — just for him to learn from this.”

In her statement, Gemma also highlighted the ongoing work carried out in Bradley’s name. “What some people don’t realise is that Bradley’s story didn’t end when his life did. Because of Bradley, children’s lives are being saved, hundreds of families have received vital support, and children facing unimaginable battles are being given hope.”

She pointed specifically to Super Brad’s Pad, a facility that allows families to step away from hospital life and spend time together. “That is Bradley’s legacy. The difference my little boy continues to make in this world. No amount of cruelty will ever take that away.”

Gemma closed her statement by asking that the photograph at the centre of the incident be reclaimed as a symbol of joy. “So rather than let this photograph be remembered for hatred, I want it remembered for what it truly represents — my beautiful little boy, enjoying one of the happiest days of his life, with the biggest smile on his face. #CancerHasNoColours. That is how I want the world to remember him.”