A moving moment before the clash between Everton F.C. and Sunderland A.F.C. has sparked nationwide conversation after 11-year-old cancer patient Kaiden Edwards walked onto the pitch wearing an oversized Everton shirt carrying the message “2 BIG”.
The emotional gesture marked the launch of Children with Cancer UK’s official ‘2 BIG’ campaign, highlighting the urgent need for safer, child-specific cancer treatments.
Kaiden Edwards’ Story Shines a Light on Childhood Cancer
Kaiden Edwards, 11, is currently living with medulloblastoma — a rare and aggressive brain cancer that primarily affects children. Ahead of the Everton vs Sunderland fixture, Kaiden walked out alongside Everton midfielder James Garner in a symbolic oversized football shirt designed to demonstrate how many children are still receiving treatments originally created for adults.
The moment was broadcast to millions watching around the world and delivered a powerful visual message at the heart of the campaign.
Kaiden first began suffering from headaches, dizziness and sickness in October 2021. After months of uncertainty and several GP appointments, an MRI scan confirmed a brain tumour in June 2022.
Since then, Kaiden has undergone extensive treatment, including surgery, proton beam therapy and seven months of chemotherapy. Although he completed treatment in June 2023, his family received devastating news in March 2024 when doctors discovered the cancer had returned to his spinal cord and the tumour was inoperable.
He now receives chemotherapy directly through a port fitted to his head — treatment protocols still commonly used for adults.
“No Child Should Have to Endure Adult Treatments”
Kaiden’s mother, Kathryn Edwards, spoke candidly about the family’s experience and the physical toll treatment has taken on her son.
She explained that childhood cancer forces families to focus on one day at a time, adding that her hope is simply for Kaiden to remain comfortable and continue enjoying meaningful moments like becoming Everton’s mascot.
Kathryn also stressed the importance of funding research into kinder and more targeted therapies specifically designed for children, saying no child should have to undergo treatments originally created for adults when better alternatives could exist.
Bradley Lowery Remembered by Everton and Sunderland Fans
The occasion carried even deeper emotional significance as it took place just one day after what would have been Bradley Lowery’s 15th birthday.
Supporters from both clubs united to honour Bradley with a banner stretching across both ends of the stadium, celebrating the legacy he left behind during his brave battle with Stage 4 neuroblastoma.
Bradley became widely known after appearing as Sunderland’s mascot against Everton in 2016, creating a lasting bond between the clubs and football fans across the country.
Former Everton chairman Bill Kenwright famously donated £200,000 towards Bradley’s treatment, while former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku carried Bradley onto the pitch at Goodison Park in 2017.
Following Bradley’s death later that year at just six years old, his parents Carl and Gemma established The Bradley Lowery Foundation to continue supporting families affected by childhood cancer and fund vital research.
The Harsh Reality Behind Childhood Cancer Treatment
According to Children with Cancer UK, only 2% of cancer research funding currently goes towards children and young people.
The charity also warns that more than half of childhood cancer survivors experience serious long-term side effects — often referred to as “late effects” — caused by treatments designed for adult bodies.
These complications can include:
- Heart failure
- Fertility problems
- Hearing loss
- Reduced mobility
- Growth and developmental issues
- Dental complications
Children with Cancer UK says its mission is to improve survival rates while reducing the lifelong impact treatment can have on young patients.
Gavin Maggs from the charity said the organisation wants a future where every child diagnosed with cancer can not only survive, but also thrive and live a long, healthy life.
He added that funding research into safer and more personalised therapies is essential because too many children are still receiving drugs never intended for growing bodies.
Everton Shirt Signed by Players to Be Auctioned
To help raise further funds for childhood cancer research, the oversized Everton shirt worn by Kaiden and signed by the Everton squad will be auctioned later this year, with proceeds supporting future research initiatives.
Readers can learn more about the campaign or donate directly through the official Children with Cancer UK ‘2 BIG’ page.
