Everton to welcome two special mascots for West Ham match

Brave young Evertonians Mason, 11, and five-year-old Holly, who are both battling cancer, will help to lead the Blues out for the Premier League game against West Ham United.

The fixture has been dedicated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation’s Cancer Has No Colours campaign, which raises vital awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

The Foundation, set up in Bradley’s honour, also helps families who are fundraising for treatment or equipment that is not readily available or covered by the NHS, and supports research into Neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.

Holly was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in May 2024, then aged three. Following a recent relapse, she is currently receiving a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy as part of a research study that has been funded by charities including The Bradley Lowery Foundation.

Mum Kathyrn, who will be joined by husband Mark on Monday, said:

“Holly has just started in reception at school and loves life. 

“She loves to dance, loves playing jokes on people and loves watching Everton, which has often been her highlight when she has been in hospital receiving treatment.

“She was ecstatic to go to her first game earlier in the year at Goodison Park, and when we took her to Hill Dickinson Stadium, she was so excited to go there for her first game.

“For Holly to be the mascot at Everton’s dedicated match for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is really special and will be a day to remember for all her family and friends”.

Mason was diagnosed with Leukaemia in May of this year. He is currently receiving treatment at Alder Hey Hospital and cites Jarrad Branthwaite, Jack Grealish and Jordan Pickford as his favourite players.

Mum Sarah, who will be at Monday’s game along with dad Wayne and Mason’s brother, Miles, said:

“Mason is determined to beat this awful disease. His smile and strength are unbelievable, and we are all incredibly proud of him.

“He is a massive Evertonian, so the opportunity to meet the players and walk out onto the pitch is the stuff dreams are made of.

“It’s his dream come true and something he will cherish forever.”

Speaking about the impact cancer has had on her family, and why the support of organisations like The Bradley Lowery Foundation is so important, Kathryn added:

“No-one can prepare you for being told that your three-year-old has cancer, but we have been supported by some amazing charities, from receiving a care package when she was first diagnosed from Milly’s Smiles, to staying at Jack’s House in Manchester while she received a course of radiotherapy.

“Every football fan across the country, no matter the team, knows the name Bradley Lowery and the amazing Foundation his parents have built in his name.

“Neuroblastoma is aggressive, and the treatments are equally as aggressive. However, thanks to charities such as the Bradley Lowery Foundation, Holly has had treatment as part of research studies that are trying to improve the current treatments available – treatments that have given her the best possible chance.

“She is going through what no child should, but there are some amazing charities out there and knowing how much people want to help really means a lot.”

Bradley’s parents, Carl and Gemma, will be special guests at Monday’s game, along with former Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe, who befriended six-year-old Bradley in 2016.

Bradley became a symbol of hope and inspiration for the way in which he fought Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. He first forged a special bond with Evertonians when he was mascot for Sunderland in a game against the Blues at the Stadium of Light in September 2016, and the Club is proud to support his ongoing legacy to this day.

Everton has already reaffirmed its support for The Bradley Lowery Foundation’s Cancer Has No Colours campaign, as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

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