Well done Aintree & Randox

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BRADLEY LOWERY, the little boy whose battle with a rare form of cancer has touched people in Britain and across the world, is to be recognised at Aintree on Saturday in the form of a unprecedented honorary 41st starting position in the Randox Health Grand National.

The five-year-old, whose fight against neuroblastoma has served to help raise awareness of a disease that affects the body's specialised nerve cells, has been invited with his family to Aintree, whose official Grand National racecard will list him as the 41st competitor in one of sport's most celebrated events.

There had been hopes Bradley's name could be linked to a Grand National runner as a way of raising awareness of the funding campaign started to help pay for his enormously expensive treatment. In place of that objective, Jockey Club Racecourses, supported by Randox Health, has created an imaginative way of highlighting the County Durham-based child's situation.

In the official Aintree racecard graphic, Bradley's red and white silks match his beloved football team, Sunderland. His age is listed and his May 17 date of birth is given instead of what would normally be a horse's weight. The chosen form figures of five wins and a five-star rating underline his achievements and reputation.

Also featured in the runner comments are parents Carl and Gemma, both sets of grandparents and older brother Kieran, represented as the jockey. In the slot reserved for the trainer is England international footballer Jermain Defoe, whose friendship with Bradley has further helped to place neuroblastoma in the public consciousness.

Bradley's racecard write-up reads: "Never happier than when playing with friends, Bradley loves Sunderland FC and his dogs Effie and Chase. Makes his Aintree debut. Donate to his fight against Neuroblastoma at bradleylowerysfight.org.uk."

Gemma Lowery said: "We're thrilled to be coming to Aintree for the first time and really appreciate everything everyone is doing for Bradley and us. He is very excited about the big day. It is fantastic so many people will get the chance to learn about Bradley's fight."

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Shutthefrontdoor ridden by Tony McCoy waits with other horses and riders to start the 2015 Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 11, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bradley, who was recently accepted on a new cell therapy trial following a meeting at Great Ormond Street Hospital, has led out the England and Sunderland football teams and also been featured on the BBC's Match of the Day as a special goal of the month winner.

Aintree boss John Baker said: "Bradley Lowery's story is one that has already touched the hearts of millions of people but we need to help him to raise greater awareness and fundraising for the fight against neuroblastoma. Where better to do that than through the people's race?

"If we can be part of the solution in even a small way that would make me very proud and I'm sure the British public will get behind Bradley's fight. He's a really inspirational little boy who deserves all the help we can give him."

Dr Peter FitzGerand, founder and managing director of Randox, which will be hosting Bradley and his family at Aintree, added: "We're delighted Bradley Lowery and his mum and dad are going to join us on the final day of the festival.

"His fight to raise awareness of neuroblastoma and other cancers most commonly found in children has inspired hundreds of thousands of people.

"We're grateful to be able to share this fantastic day with Bradley and his parents and we hope it's one to remember. Please continue to show Bradley your support - a really special little man and such an incredible fighter."

As highlighted in the racecard listing - which to avoid possible confusion will not be circulated in data feeds to the media and bookmakers - those wishing to donate to Bradley's fundraising campaign can do so at bradleylowerysfight.org.uk.
 
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