I have been reading about Bradley Lowery's funeral this morning. What an incredible kid. "Superman got nothing on me". He is definitely right there. I, like millions of others, have been tracking his story over recent months and his passing was an awfully sad day for his family, friends, city, football club and football fans all over the world. At just 6 years old, he is leaving behind a legacy that will help other sufferers of Neuroblastoma and he has managed to unite people from the most fiercest of sporting rivalries. His story has touched so many people and you only need to see some of the tributes on twitter, #cancerhasnocolours for example, which been left by the footballing community to see how his infectious smile has gripped the nation and beyond. This particular example stood out to me - a poem by a Sunderland fan which is very moving (2 images, read the right one first)- https://twitter.com/MillwallFotb/status/885765967447502849
A game of football should bring people together despite club affiliation, background, gender, race, nationality, disability and sexuality. However, it has a bad reputation right now for several reasons, some of which are justified. But if you can see past the obscene amount of money, Sky TV, the barbaric rivalries and hooligans, it is just a simple game which people fall in love with. Over the last year I have seen football through the eyes of a child again when seeing the reports about Bradley. He's reminded me of what it was like to be a kid enjoying the sport and he loved it for what it is at its purest form - a game. I make no apologies for doing the same. After all, when it comes to football, I am still a kid who loves the unscripted drama and passion it brings and Bradley's story has reminded us all how to cut through the crap and celebrate what sport can do for people. If you are unsure of its impact, just look at the images of his funeral.
Also, huge credit to Jermaine Defoe. In a world full of self-centred, rich footballers, he has shown that footballing heroes do still exist.
Today I am going to wear my football shirt with pride as a mark of respect to Bradley's life (it had to be a red and white stripped one!). An incredibly brave kid who brought the footballing world together, which is something even Superman wouldn't be able to do. RIP little fella. #cancerhasnocolours #onebradleylowery #bradleylowery
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