I remember during my second season at Sunderland, Louise Wanless, the press officer, told me one day: 'There’s a boy who wants to meet you.' She explained that Bradley Lowery had neuroblastoma and that I was his favorite player. I was like, 'Alright, of course. No worries.' But I had no idea what he would be like. From her description, I assumed he’d be super shy and quiet.
But as soon as he walked into the dressing room, he ran straight to me, jumped on my lap, and hugged me with a big smile on his face. After that first meeting, I asked Louise to put me in touch with the family so I could visit him at the hospital. At first, I went with other players, but then I started going alone. I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. We had this natural connection, this bond. I still don’t know how to explain it. I got so used to having him at Sunderland that I really struggled after he was gone.
He taught me to appreciate life and the people around me so much more. He changed me, my whole perspective.
His bravery and resilience in the face of adversity inspired countless people around the world.
Story by Ibrozano Adams
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