Bradley Lowery is a five-year-old Sunderland fan who is battling a rare form of cancer. He was a special guest of the club’s ahead of their match against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Before the match kicked off, Bradley got to take part in warm-ups with his favorite club. Here he is getting Sunderland back-up goalkeeper Vito Mannone ready just in case he was needed:
Ahh this made my day, @Bradleysfight warming @VitoMannone88 up pic.twitter.com/Y4UEQQ2fWi
— Chloé Stratton (@ChloeStrattonxo) December 14, 2016
Not only did he get to kick the ball around with the Black Cats, but he also was welcomed warmly by the whole Chelsea team as they prepared for the match. The club released the above video highlighting his day.
The biggest moment came when he scored a goal against Asmir Begovic, sending the Stadium of Light crowd into an uproar.
Bradley Lowery: Hero @Bradleysfight pic.twitter.com/wUIiWISYSX
— ALS: SAFC FANZINE (@ALS_Fanzine) December 15, 2016
There are campaigns already launching to get Bradley’s goal against Chelsea voted as the Premier League’s Goal of the Month. Michy Batshuayi responded on Twitter that the goal has his vote and joked about Bradley having as many goals as he does this season.
Congrats @Bradleysfight already the same number of goals as me hahaha!!! Hope you will be the PL goal of the month too #Respect https://t.co/AaaxdG0L2E
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) December 15, 2016
It’s great to see two sets of supporters come together for a great purpose and help lift a young kid’s spirits in a really difficult time. Sunderland fans even have their own special chant for Bradley:
Amazing from Sundeland fans:
— Football Chants (@FootyFansChants) December 14, 2016
"There's only one Bradley Lowery!"
Stay strong kidda @BradleysFight #hopeforbradley pic.twitter.com/49Xzij7t6d
It’s moments like these that make you appreciate this sport. There’s a lot of bad in the world and even in football, but when nights like these happen you realize just how meaningful it can be to those who love it.
UPDATE: Sunderland’s official video is out as well. Get those hankies ready.