THE mother of brave Bradley Lowery spoken of her family's pride at creating a lasting legacy in his name – and how delighted he would be that the new charity will be helping other children.

Gemma Lowery was joined by Sunderland AFC players at the Stadium of Light ahead of Wednesday's official launch of the Bradley Lowery Foundation, when the Black Cats take on Everton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Sunderland fan Bradley, of Blackhall, east Durham, died in July aged six, after his brave battle against the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured hearts across the world,

Sunderland’s famous red and white striped shirts will sport the logo of the newly-formed foundation, with the club’s principal partner Dafabet, kindly donating the prime space in order to support the charity.

In a show of unity, Everton Football Club, who have been great supporters of the Lowery family, will also sport the logo on their shirts in place of their usual SportPesa branding.

Gemma said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see the foundation logo on the front of the shirts. The game has a very special meaning to myself and Carl and we are overwhelmed by the support we have received from Sunderland and Everton.

"Bradley would have been over the moon and we as a family are as well. Bradley will be watching over everyone and I’m sure he would be very proud that his legacy can now help others.”

The foundation aims to help any children under the age of 18, providing them with support in their fundraising efforts for any medical treatment not available on the NHS or equipment they cannot get government funding for.

Gemma said: "We had a very successful campaign with Bradley and we learned a lot of things on the way. We are hoping to implement what we have learned to help and support other families.

"We will be giving it a personal touch as well. We'll go out and see them, build a rapport with them and help them with events management and to pitch their campaign. We'll give them merchandise to sell to help raise money. We hoping to help as many children as possible."

She added: "Obviously we took Bradley’s passing extremely hard. I have lost my little boy. There is no other way to take it. But I’m trying to focus on building his legacy and continuing the good work that he started.

"He was only here for six years, but in those six years he an impact on the world and he brought to childhood cancer to the forefront of people’s minds and his legacy will last forever – and for that I am so proud."

Sunderland AFC chief executive, Martin Bain said: “Bradley had a profound impact on our club and the wider football community.

"Through the foundation which bears his name he will forever be remembered as a force for good and the we are honoured to be able to give our continued support to the Lowery family and the charity.”

Sunderland player Duncan Watmore said: "It was obviously a very very sad time for the club and everyone who knew him. I think this foundation will keep his memory living on."

The one-off shirts will be signed by the players following the game at Goodison Park and auctioned by the charity to raise vital funds.