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Opinion

Bradley Lowery – Respect

7 years ago
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I have no kids, I’m not from a big or close knit family, I’ve always been regarded as a cold, heartless so and so…but that went out the window tonight when I saw the news theat young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery had passed away, after his brave battle against neuroblastoma.

This kid has lived the (football) dream for the last year or so and credit must go to SAFC, the FA and clubs up and down the country, for their participation in the young lad’s send off, with greatest respect to Jermaine Defoe for taking this lad to heart.

Much like the way a club pays tribute to a much loved player or manager, Bradley has been afforded the RIGHT tribute by HIS club.

I don’t dislike Sunderland and it’s fans, I hate them, but purely at a footballing level. Simply because they are local rivals and ‘top dogs’ status is afforded when no other ‘trophy’ is likely.

This shouldn’t be championed as a prize, it isn’t, but until either club is in a position to win anything it’s the best we can do or hope for.

Bradley crammed a lot in, in a short space of time, and faced down his condition with fantastic spirit and resolution that would’ve broken others. Innocence of youth you may say. He battled on partially blind to his condition and for this I can’t hide my admiration for.

What does this have to do with Newcastle United you may say? The simple answer is it doesn’t. It has only the vague connection that this could happen to anyone, no matter which town you are born in or which football team you support.

Much like the two Newcastle lads that were the unfortunate victims of a plane crash, innocently travelling to watch a football friendly, Bradley Lowery wasn’t given the chance to carry on in life through no fault of his own.

What he did in such a short space of time was remarkable. If any potential child of mine had done the same, I’d be beaming with pride and admiration and his family must be eternally proud.

Football rivalry goes out of the window, even rival supporters can be part of your crowd or family. They both bleed and feel the same pain as each other.

Bradley Lowery led an extraordinary life in such a short space of time.

The message is, love life, it can be cut short for anyone. No matter which stripes you support.

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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