Standing on the road named in his honour, this 'beautiful' tree and moving plaque will help ensure the memory of a lad whose tragic story touched thousands will live on.
It's been five years since the tragic death of County Durham six-year-old Bradley Lowery, but the inspirational younger's legacy lives on in a foundation dedicated to supporting other sick youngsters and their families. And on Friday his mum Gemma unveiled a new tribute to him at a local housing development.
Gleeson Homes has been supporting the Bradley Lowery Foundation since it began construction of Hardwicke Place, less than a mile from where Bradley lived with his parents in the village of Blackhall Colliery. Employees have raised thousands for the charity, while two streets on the estate have been dedicated to the youngster.
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The two roads were named Bradley Lowery Way and Sunshine Place; sunshine being the nickname that Gemma and her husband Carl gave Bradley, due to his sunny disposition despite the pain and discomfort he was suffering as he fought childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
In front of trustees of the Foundation, Gleeson representatives and some of Bradley’s school friends, Gemma unveiled the tree that will become a permanent memorial to her son, near the development's newly-opened show homes.
Gemma said naming the road after her son was 'the most amazing thing' and that adding these memorials only made it more special.
She added: "I couldn't thank them enough. I mean, this is going to make my little boy's legacy last a lifetime.
"It's absolutely beautiful, it's an amazing feeling that Bradley is still, after being gone five years, he's still touching people's hearts."
The plaque beneath the tree reads: "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear."
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