Bradley Lowery's Mum Gemma Opens Up For The First Time Since Losing Her Six-Year-Old Son

Bradley Lowery’s mum has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of her six-year-old son.

Gemma Lowery’s son’s battle with an aggressive form of neuroblastoma - a type of childhood cancer - touched the nation.

He died on 7 July and his mum has since set up the Bradley Lowery Foundation and hopes to support families of sick children through the charity.

“I tried my best with Bradley, I did everything I possibly could,” she told Chronicle Live.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work out but now I want to help other parents get to where we never got to.”

Ian Horrocks via Getty Images

Bradley Lowery and mum Gemma at his 6th birthday party at Welfare Park, Blackhall on May 19, 2017 in Peterlee, England.

Bradley was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive form cancer at 18-months-old.

After his diagnosis in 2012, he underwent two years of treatment, which resulted in his cancer going into remission. But in July 2016, the family learned Bradley’s cancer had returned.

More than 500,000 people followed his battle against the disease on the Bradley Lowery’s Fight Facebook page at the time of his death.

Shortly after Bradley died, his mum announced that his name would live on through the charity foundation.

The family had been raising money to pay for his treatment, but they announced all unused funds would be used to help other sick children.

“When I first started fundraising, I had nothing, not a penny in the bank and I didn’t know what I was doing, I learned it over the years,” added Lowery.

“I have been there and unfortunately I have got that T-shirt, I can help people learn from my mistakes and what worked.”

The first big event to raise money for the foundation is a celebrity charity football match which will be held at Everton on 3 September. You can buy tickets here.

Before You Go

How To Maintain A Healthy Diet When You Have Breast Cancer

Make Gradual Changes(01 of06)

"You may want to make changes to your diet gradually, at a comfortable pace, at a budget you can afford, and when you feel ready," says Macmillan Oncology dietitian, Adele Hug.

"You could start by writing down what you normally eat for a few weeks. Compare this with information on healthy eating. Take a look at Macmillan’s website on diet and cancer or their information leaflets on what to eat. Then set yourself some small, realistic goals, and decide how you will achieve them.

"For example, if you’ve never had fruit with breakfast, you could try adding fresh or stewed fruit, or having a glass of fruit juice. For snacks, try swapping chocolate with a small portion of dried fruit and nuts." (credit:J Shepherd via Getty Images)

Slowly Increase Your Goals(02 of06)

"Gradually increase your goals over time," says Hug.

"Keep track of your progress and how you feel physically and emotionally. Making changes can be enjoyable, and you may discover new foods that you haven’t tried before." (credit:nata_vkusidey via Getty Images)

Talk To A Dietitian, Your GP Or A Specialist(03 of06)

"Before making changes to your diet, it can help to talk to a dietitian, your GP or a specialist nurse. A dietitian can advise you about any other dietary problems you might have during or after your cancer treatment," says Hug.

"Whether you choose to make small or big changes to your diet, it may take time to find healthy foods that you like, or a diet that works for you." (credit:BURGER/PHANIE via Getty Images)

Try Interesting Healthy New Recipes(04 of06)

"Trying new healthy recipes can stop you getting bored and may help motivate you to continue a healthy diet in the long-term," says Hug.

"For recipe ideas for people with cancer, visit Macmillan’s website." (credit:Hinterhaus Productions via Getty Images)

Try And Exercise More(05 of06)

"Being physically active is very important for people diagnosed with cancer. It helps with improving levels of fatigue, mental wellbeing and can also help with depression," explains Hug.

"Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer coming back, and reduces the risk of other serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes. It’s important only to do as much physical activity as is safe for you – so get some advice from your GP or a physiotherapist." (credit:Peathegee Inc via Getty Images)

Eat According To Your Activity Levels(06 of06)

"Only eat as much food as you need according to how active you are," says Hug. "You may need to discuss your needs with a dietitian." (credit:Design Pics/Ray Laskowitz via Getty Images)