Everton fans do right by Bradley Lowery

Bradley Lowery is a legend of English football. His bravery in the face of illness inspired fans all over the world before his tragic death on July 7th. On July 21, the Goodison statue of Dixie Dean was seen holding Lowery’s Sunderland shirt, in fitting tribute from one legend to another. The Toffees donated £200k to Bradley’s fund to help address his health needs while he was alive and the goodwill continues now in his memory.

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright had the following to say:

"We are so privileged to have known him...and will always be proud that he chose us as his second club. We send our loving thoughts to his mum and dad and his family...plus those who were inspired by him throughout the world of football.”

As football fans, we often bicker and squabble and complain about our transfer moves and mock the other team’s players and whistle and jeer., but amongst all of that friction stories like Bradley’s show all of us of the intrinsic value of human life. It’s bigger than wins and losses or transfers and it’s a healthy reminder that people and their lives mean more than any hobby or rooting preference.

An Everton legend holding a Sunderland shirt in support of a family dealing with loss is a small gesture that points to an attitude the world could use a lot more of, and we applaud our fellow Toffees who made it happen. Life is fragile, take the time today to express your appreciation for your loved ones, and pat a rival on the back and enjoy the fellowship while we all still have the opportunity to do so.