In moments of darkness, search for the rays of light.
The Wednesday family have come together to shine bright since the events of Friday night at Hillsborough.
In the wake of distressing images circulating on social media, Owls supporter Leanne Wood – a member of the Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters Group – started a GoFundMe page with proceeds going to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Bradley was an inspirational young man who caught the heart of the nation as he bravely battled Neuroblastoma - a rare form of cancer that affects children.
The young Sunderland fan struck a heartwarming friendship with then Black Cats and England striker Jermain Defoe in the months prior to his passing, aged just six in 2017.
Initially aiming to raise £5,000, incredibly, the total currently stands in excess of £23,000!
The donations page has gone far and wide with Owls captain Barry Bannan and midfielder Will Vaulks amongst those helping to bolster the fund.
Donations have been made from over 1,600 individuals, turning a gross negative into a huge positive.
Leanne told swfc.co.uk: “I saw the images circulating and they made me feel sick.
“So I had the idea of a fundraiser to combat this and show that those actions do not in any way reflect us as a fanbase. I put the idea to the Women’s Supporter Group and they said they would support me all the way with this.
Our members have set up a GoFundMe to support the Bradley Lowery Foundation (@bradleysfight)
— SWFC Women's Supporters Group (@SWFCwsg) September 30, 2023
Please donate and share widely 💙
We won't let the abhorrent actions of a few define our club.#swfc #WAWAW https://t.co/5eHnWMa9wN
“We’ve got some of the best fans in the country, home and away. Wednesday fans, and the people of Sheffield in general, have hearts of gold and I had no doubt they would get behind this.
“Bradley’s family and the Bradley Lowery Foundation reached out to say how grateful they are – these donations make a massive difference to the foundation, to help raise awareness and research to combat this terrible disease is vital.”
On the donations so far, Leanne continued: “I didn’t know what target to set at first! I discussed it with my other half, who said put a few thousand so I thought I’ll put £5,000. I expected a response from our fans who are generous and caring people.
“It started with Wednesday fans but the donations have also come from lots of different clubs – Bradley’s story brought the football community together. He loved football.
“We’ve had donations from the players and some very generous anonymous ones too.
“I want to give credit to everyone. Everyone who has got behind this fundraising push to help turn this negative into a real positive where some good has come through.”
Sheffield Wednesday echo your sentiments completely Leanne, we are proud of you.
If you would like to donate to Leanne’s GoFundMe page please CLICK HERE.