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Sunderland AFC have launched a limited edition Bradley Lowery home shirt which will raise money to build a holiday home for sick children and their families.

The club has created the ‘For Bradley’ initiative to honour the six-year-old Sunderland fan, who died in July following a brave battle with terminal cancer. The Blackhall Colliery schoolboy’s story inspired football fans around the world, as Bradley spent his final years making memories by appearing as a mascot for Sunderland AFC and England, famously forging a friendship with then Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.

A specially commissioned home shirt, which features a “For Bradley, For Everyone” logo goes on sale at 9am on Saturday, November 18, the same day Sunderland take on Millwall at the Stadium of Light.

The shirts cost £49.99 for adults and £39.99 for juniors. The Black Cats will donate all profits from sales to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

The Foundation is building a holiday home, to be known as Bradley’s Place, which it will run to give families with sick children a place to relax and spend time together.

Bradley’s mum, Gemma Lowery, said: “One of our favourite memories is taking Bradley on holiday to Scarborough. We are absolutely thrilled that Sunderland AFC suggested that we could create similar memories for other families.

“Since Bradley’s sad passing in July we have worked tirelessly to ensure a positive legacy will come from his personal fight and I’m sure Bradley will be watching over everyone and be very proud that his legacy will now help others.”

(Image: PA)

Sunderland AFC chief executive Martin Bain said, “Bradley Lowery was an inspirational little boy who made a big impact on this club and the wider footballing world. We want to create a legacy for Bradley that will be for the good of everyone. Bradley’s Shirt will go a long way to making that happen, with all money made from sales of the special edition shirt helping to build memories for sick children and their extended families.

“We’re asking our fans and the wider footballing community to wear the shirt for Bradley and join us in making a difference.”

The For Bradley campaign will be launched at Saturday’s match. Sunderland players will wear the limited edition Bradley shirts against Millwall. The match-worn kits will then be auctioned off to raise money for the campaign. Millwall players will warm-up in training kit carrying the For Bradley logo, and the South Londoners will present a cheque to the Bradley Lowery Foundation at half time.

(Image: PA)

The Black Cats will be led out by 13-year-old Thomas Bypus, a Sunderland season ticket holder who befriended Bradley while they were both being treated at Newcastle’s RVI hospital.

Club captain John O’Shea said: “Bradley became firm friends with staff and players alike, leading the team out on a number of occasions. He made a huge impact on our club and the wider football community.

“Everyone at the club is honoured to be able to give our continued support to the Lowery family and the charity.”

Bradley’s Shirt is available to buy from the official club shop or via safcstore.com from Saturday, November 18.