Gemma Lowery

Founder, Chief Executive and Trustee

I am Gemma Lowery, I am the founder of the Bradley Lowery Foundation. I have a son called Kieran and my husband is Carl. My son Bradley, who was my inspiration for setting up the foundation, lost his battle with Neuroblastoma in July 2017.

He created so much awareness for Neuroblastoma and Cancer on a whole, I wanted to create a lasting legacy for Bradley. He inspired me to help others, so in August 2017 the Bradley Lowery Foundation was created and our aims are to get children the treatment or equipment not yet available on the NHS.

Lynn Murphy

Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer, Trustee

I’m Lynn Murphy, I am married to Chris and have 2 wonderful children, Martin and Anna. I got involved with Bradley’s fight within about 8 months of Bradley being diagnosed. Coming from the small mining village of Blackhall Colliery, I knew Gemma and Carl.

When Bradley became poorly, our whole community got involved to fundraise. Myself and my family did everything we possibly could. I am honoured to be part of the Bradley Lowery Foundation, a lasting legacy for an amazing little boy.

Valerie Colling

Chief Finance Officer

I am Valerie Colling, live in County Durham with my wonderful partner Andrew and nine characterful guinea pigs. I love keeping active by attending spin classes and practicing Tai Chi.

Having worked in the voluntary sector for over twenty years in Head of Finance and Chief Executive roles, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.

It is a real honour and privilege to join the team at The Bradley Lowery Foundation and to be part of the lasting legacy of one amazing little boy whose smile lit up the world.

Brooke Mitchell

Fundraising and Family Support Worker

I’m Brooke, I live in Seaham just 15 minutes away from the town Bradley was from. Bradley’s story really touched my heart as cancer has also affected my own family.

I am honoured to now work for The Bradley Lowery Foundation.

Ellie Fincham

Community Fundraiser

I’m originally from Dover, and I moved to the North East after graduating Uni in 2021 to find a role within positive community impact.

Sunderland, where I live now, welcomed me with open arms, and it is now my turn to give back by fundraising for children and families, sharing the story and legacy of an inspiring little boy named Bradley Lowery.

Rebecca Harbon Gray

Trustee

Hi, I’m Rebecca. I am a Solicitor for Winns Solicitors and a busy working Mam. I first became aware of Bradleys Fight campaign as a donator to the ‘just one pound’ campaign by donating myself.

I couldn’t help but be captured by the fighting spirit of Bradley and the love that surrounded him both from his family and from the nation and beyond. Me having a child of acutely similar age to Brad made me wonder what I would do if faced with such a difficulty with my own son and was full of admiration for the Bradleys Fight Team headed by now co-Trustees Gemma and Lynn. They were able to forge opportunities for Bradley that many others would miss out on without private funding. Any parent would want the same for their own child.

Phil Empson

Trustee

Phil had a long career in Commercial Banking before taking up his current role as a specialist Banking & Finance advisor in a national accountancy firm where he assists North East SME clients with their funding structures. He also has over 10 years experience of working as a Trustee on a local charity Board on a voluntary basis.

Outside of work Phil is married to Gina and they have 2 teenage children. He lives in Sunderland and when not being called upon as “Dad’s taxi” he enjoys watching most sports and socialising.

Pamela Thirlaway

Trustee

I am Pam, worked in the charity sector for over 20 years. Keen caravaner and met Gemma a long time ago through rallying. I was up all night talking to her Mam whilst she was in labour and throughout the birth of Bradley. We were both going to be Grandma’s at the same time. I have 8 grandchildren and love them all dearly.

I now work for a charity that helps people who have been Deafened and find life difficult. I like to help and support people through my work and in my private life.

This brings me to now and the sterling work Gemma and Lynn have been doing over the years since Bradley was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. I have done my best to support them, sharing everything and making donations to the activities that have been carried out to fundraise.

I was honoured to have been asked to join the board of trustees on the Bradley Lowery Foundation. This is my way of giving other children a chance.

Sara Davies

Sara is the founder and owner of Crafters Companion and a Dragon on the hit BBC show Dragons Den.

Sara is an inspirational North East business woman and I am delighted to have her on board to continue to make a huge difference to hundreds of children.

I’m very excited to see what we can achieve together!

#WorkingTogether #watchthisspace

Jermain Defoe

English professional footballer Jermain Defoe, who now plays as a striker for Rangers, signed for Sunderland AFC In January 2015.

In 2016, Bradley had an opportunity to be a mascot at a Sunderland match and that is when they met in the changing room before the game. And Bradley decided he wanted to walk out onto the pitch with Jermain.

They had an instant connection when this happened and they developed an amazing friendship, Brad used to call him his best friend.

When Brad went with the angels and The Bradley Lowery Foundation was formed I asked Jermain if he wanted to be a patron and he said he would be honoured.

Big thank you to Jermain for being there for Brad and being his ‘Best Friend’