Olivia Hutchison made her parachute jump in aid of Bradley Lowery’s fight against cancer on Saturday, her marvellous gesture raising £1,515 – just over three times the target she originally set.
The “after” photo could be clearer but you can still make out the joy in her face. Her dad, Rob, Sunderland-daft like his 18-year-old daughter, tells Salut! Sunderland: “Terrific. Perfect clear day. Best thing of her life she reckons.”
And you can still donate at Olivia’s Just giving page by clicking on this link. [Update: a few hours after this article appeared, a glance at Olivia’s Just Giving link shows more money has already been added].
Sadly, the jump closely followed a distressing update from the family of five-year-old Bradley.
They say his treatment is not working and that while there is still the possibility of a trial course using a different drug, this is not one that has previously proved successful against neuroblastoma, the form of cancer from which he is suffering.
Bradley continues to show all the fight in the world, as the photographs from his day out at the Grand National show [if anyone knows who should be credited for the pictures, please tell us – Ed], and carries with him the hopes and encouragement of the millions now aware of his plight.
The care he has received also shows the NHS at its noblest; if only the attention rightly focused on one brave little boy could persuade those in power to ensure the service was properly funded, the legacy of his battle will be a powerful one.
And finally, Monsieur Salut applauds another SAFC supporter, Michael Eggleston, for tweeting this suggestion (I do not know whether it is his idea or one he is simply passing on) …
Make this happen ?? @SunderlandAFC @Bradleysfight @SunderlandEcho @1034SunFM @HPoolMail @IAmJermainDefoe @VitoMannone88 @borinifabio29 pic.twitter.com/uTUuXbIqAH
— Michael Eggleston (@SpeedyEggleston) April 9, 2017
Well done Olivia. Glad you enjoyed it and a fantastic gesture on your part.