@NiallHarbison Oh my days! Such cruelty is beyond comprehension. Frank is a lovely strong name. I know, because my wonderful late dad was named Frank! Be strong Frank, you have the best team around you; the best treatment there is. Stay strong. We are rooting for you. Thankyou Niall ❤️
My dogs came into my life when the doctor told me I had cancer. I went and adopted two long time shelter dogs who had thought no one would ever love them.
I went to the shelter and saw Rich first in the back of the kennel like his life was over I adopted him. Then I saw Ronny and he came up to me and licked my hand. I adopted him.
I felt like I needed companions during this time of pain and unknown. I didn't know what was going to happen but I know I needed love to always surround me and that's what I found in Rich and Ronn .
I needed to laugh and they make me laugh all the time. I needed to cry and they gave me a soft place to do it. I needed a friend and they gave me a paw. I beat cancer and I owe them everything for giving me all the love and compassion I could ever need.
I love you guys you are my everthing ❤🙏
🗑️ He was living in trash and at rock bottom
🪱 The flies had got at his old wounds which had caused very serious heart worm
🐕 He was so small he couldn’t defend himself against bigger dogs
🤒 He had so many things wrong with him that he was so drained and anemic. He wouldn’t have lasted much longer on the streets.
Of course we had to call him Rod Stewart with that spiky hairstyle. It turns out he is the gentlest little sweet heart ever.
Now that he is fully better he is getting ready for his big trip to his forever home In Ireland 🇮🇪.
Just look at the fluffiness on him and his sheer joy in being alive. Some man Rod, some man!
SUPER BRAD'S PAD
Jermain Defoe joined Bradley Lowery's mum Gemma to celebrate the opening of Super Brad's Pad, a £1 million accessible holiday home in Scarborough, created in Bradley's memory to give children with serious illnesses and disabilities the chance to make precious memories with their families.
The official opening, early today, brought together the former Sunderland and England striker, whose special friendship with Bradley touched the hearts of millions, and supporters of the Bradley Lowery Foundation who have helped make the project a reality.
The five-bedroom home, which will welcome up to one hundred families each year, has been specially designed to give children with complex medical needs and disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a holiday with their loved ones, away from the pressures of hospitals, appointments and treatment.
For Gemma, the opening marks the culmination of years of determination, fundraising and hard work to create a lasting legacy for her son: "Seeing Super Brad's Pad finished and ready to welcome families is incredibly emotional. There have been challenges along the way, but knowing what this home will mean to so many children and their families makes every moment worthwhile.
"We can't change what these families are going through, but we can give them somewhere to step away from it for a little while, be together and make memories that will last a lifetime. Bradley continues to inspire everything we do. I'm so proud that his legacy is helping other children and families, particularly those with complex needs and disabilities who might otherwise struggle to enjoy a holiday together.
"I cannot thank everyone enough who has helped make this possible. From our fundraisers and supporters to the businesses, volunteers, trustees and Foundation team, so many people have worked incredibly hard to make this happen. Super Brad's Pad is part of Bradley's legacy, and I hope every family who walks through its doors leaves with happy memories they will treasure forever."
Jermain, who has continued to support the Foundation and followed the development of Super Brad's Pad, said: "I'm so proud to continue supporting the Bradley Lowery Foundation and everything Gemma and the team are doing to keep Brad's legacy alive. Gemma has worked so hard to make Super Brad's Pad perfect for the families who will stay here. I know how much thought, love and care she has put into every part of it.
"For families going through incredibly difficult times, having somewhere they can get away together and make precious memories is so important. Brad touched so many people's lives, and it means a lot to me to still be part of his legacy. I know Brad will be looking down so proud of his mam and everything she has achieved in his name."
Among those attending the opening was 16-year-old Charlie, who has cerebral palsy, and his mum Michelle Creaser, whose family will be the first to stay at Super Brad's Pad. Charlie has endured a particularly difficult year, undergoing major surgery and dealing with the devastating loss of his dad, while continuing his education at home and passing the GCSEs he needed to pursue his chosen college course. The Bradley Lowery Foundation has supported Charlie and his family for several years, previously helping them raise funds towards surgery.
Michelle said: "Charlie has had such a difficult year, and I couldn't be prouder of the way he has coped with everything, including losing his dad and undergoing major surgery. Receiving the phone call from Gemma to say that we had been chosen as the first family to stay at Super Brad's Pad was incredibly emotional, especially as it came on the first anniversary of Charlie's dad's death. The Foundation has always held a special place in my heart. Whenever we need them, I know they will be there, and they never fail to put a smile on Charlie's face."
Super Brad's Pad has been made possible through £1 million of fundraising and the generosity of supporters, businesses and organisations that have contributed materials, equipment, services and expertise. The Bradley Lowery Foundation will continue to manage the home, ensuring families can enjoy precious time together in Bradley's memory for many years to come.
My Big was eating treats until the very end and on massively powerful pain meds. He slipped away happy and with his dignity and love.
Tumors were growing into his nerves and his heart had enlarged.
He was a very very good boy ❤️
@NiallHarbison Aw Mr Big, you were so loved and you returned that love unconditionally. That's why we love dogs. So sorry Niall. RIP Mr. Big. Gentle giant that you were x ❤️
7 runs. 7 days. Millions raised for charity and every step of the way he’s carrying a friendship, a promise and hope for families facing MND.
Watching Super Kevin Sinfield go again and again this week has been amazing.
His friendship with Rob Burrow has moved so many of us and through these extraordinary challenges he reminds us about what it means to keep turning up.
If you can, please donate. Every pound makes a difference https://t.co/u4gFtYeETf
@wearehappydoggo Now 'ear 'ear Jimbo, you're so adorable, you'll be well loved! I mean, its a given! Enjoy your next chapter in life. You deserve this 👏 ❤️
Axel Rudakubana appeared in court today charged with attacking prison staff at Belmarsh including throwing boiling water mixed with sugar (“prison napalm”) through his cell hatch at an officer.
This is the same man who murdered three little girls Elsie, Bebe and Alice at a Taylor Swift dance class.
He stabbed children. He is now 20, already serving 52 years to life, and still attacking people from pridon.
In my view this monster deserves the death penalty.
Life in a psychiatric hospital or a prison cell is not justice for what he did. We need to bring capital punishment back for the very worst cases.
Some people forfeit the right to keep breathing.
BORN ON THIS DAY: DAN BALLARD
Happy 27th birthday to Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, who signed in summer 2022 and has had countless memorable moments at the club - most notably, THAT header vs Coventry!
Dan came through Arsenal’s youth ranks but never played a game for their senior team, instead making a name for himself through various EFL loan spells. After a brief stint at Swindon, he went on loan to Blackpool in 2020/21 where he won promotion from League One (alongside Elliot Embleton).
With a promotion under his belt, Ballard then joined Millwall on loan. Looking at his physique he’s the perfect Millwall defender - absolutely massive and just willing to win headers all day long. He became a real fan favourite at The Den, and Millwall fans were gutted when we pipped them to his permanent signing.
We signed him from the Gunners on a three-year contract, and Arsenal fans were actually disappointed because they believed Ballard had a future as a Premier League centre-half. He made his debut for us in the first game of the season against Coventry and did start well until sustaining an injury at home to QPR in early August (the game where their keeper scored).
That injury kept him out for a long chunk of the season (19 games) but came back against Hull in December 2022 and slipped straight back into the starting XI. He would be an unsung hero for us at the back, forming a formidable partnership with Danny Batth, but sadly missed our play-off run-in due to a hamstring injury. Of course, that left us exposed against Luton with one of the smallest backlines the EFL has ever seen - Hume, O’Nien and Gooch in a back three.
He has solidified himself as one of Northern Ireland's best players, alongside Trai Hume, and the pair have both worn their country's captains armband at various points. Big Dan earned himself a spot in Sunderland's history books during the 2024/25 play-offs. In the first leg (Coventry away), he hadn't started the last 12 games but played from the start in such a high-pressure match. He was monumental, some described him as a modern-day Charlie Hurley, heading balls away and throwing his body on the line. A complete warrior, he was named a clear Man of the Match despite Isidor and Mayenda both getting on the scoresheet.
If that wasn't enough, he followed it up with a similarly monstrous performance in our home leg. Of course, this performance was capped off with his famous header, literally the last moment of the game. Til The End: 121:59. The greatest goal the SoL has ever seen? Possibly.
Those two semi-finals, plus his display in the Wembley final against Sheffield United, is said to be the best string of three games ever played by a Sunderland player.
Dan started off his Premier League life with a flyer, scoring a header and keeping a clean sheet in another stellar performance for our first game back in the top flight. It was a superb season for Dan, playing a big part in our back line through AFCON and delivering in front of goal in a classic against the club that let him go, Arsenal. The season was finished off perfectly - even though Ballard was suspended, he played a vital role for us to claim European football.
Ballard has had a monumental couple of seasons and as fans we will hope for more memorable moments in a Sunderland shirt. Happy birthday Dan, all the best!
A message from Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Florent Ghisolfi to Régis Le Bris on the day he reached the milestone of 100 matches in charge of Sunderland AFC…
Some moments deserve to be recognised beyond the result.
100 games in charge of Sunderland AFC.
An important moment for us to recognise Régis, thank him for his commitment, his work every day and everything we are building together.
Congratulations, Régis. More to come 🔴⚪️
He’s back, he’s recovering, and thanks to all of you, thousands more lives will be rescued 😭❤️
Niall pushed his body to the absolute limit, for 24 hours, so more street dogs can get the lifesaving care they deserve at Tina’s Hospital in the future.
Today, the Land team threw him a proper party to celebrate with party poppers, cake and lots of yummy food (just not for Bella…)
You did it Niall, Tina would be so proud.
My latest life-saving operation and ICU admission reminds me once again that tomorrow is never a given. My wife, daughter and I had a heartbreaking last goodbye conversation together and that wasn't easy. But, I'm still here, not sure for how long as my medical issues are complex and my body has been through a lot. When you’ve said goodbye and somehow get the chance to say hello again, you realise just how precious being here really is.
“Rescuing Buttons has been the best decision we’ve ever made. She brings so much happiness to our lives and everyone she meets.
We’re so lucky to have her. We’re obsessed. I thoroughly recommend adopting a homeless dog”
- Liam Gallagher
@RyanSoapKing25 Early days! Don't understand why three presenters are needed ....unless they're still in the audition period, which is what it felt like to me!! The cackle and laughter a bit OTT. But I reckon it will get better, nerves will settle. 😁
@NiallHarbison Aw Mr. Big, what have you gone through! But I can see your strength and determination shining through. You've got a miraculous team caring for and loving you. You've got this 🥰😘