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As the chorus of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ whistled through the barren stands of Ewood Park the previous night, few would be blamed for suggesting that the song was aimed at one man in particular.
As recently as November last year, Bradley Jones’ fiver-year-old son Luca died of leukemia. And after Alexander Doni’s sending off in the 26th minute of Liverpool‘s win at Blackburn, a smart Jones penalty save was a fitting first touch for a goalkeeper whose recent life has been more focused on overcoming tragedy than opposition strikers.
“It’s been a difficult 18 months and the result was thanks to the fans for their support” the 30-year-old told the Liverpool Echo.
His performance capped off a week which has seen the birth of his baby son, Nico. Jones has been humbled by the vast support of the Liverpool fans, who sang his name for several minutes during the game, “The fans have been great. The support we have received has been unbelievable.”
The Australian international was told of his son’s illness whilst preparing for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Difficulties in registering a replacement goalkeeper, and then complications with travel arrangements meant that by the time he could return home, Luca was already suffering from his first course of chemotherapy. The five-year-old lived in Paris with his mother, from whom Jones had separated only a few months before, and where he visited as much as possible.
Throughout his son’s illness, Jones issued an impassioned plea for the public to donate blood or bone marrow in the desperate hope that doctors could find the identical match needed. He died in November.
“Luca is with me every day. I carry him everywhere. His face is on my washbag and his toys are in my travel bag. In that sense I’ve got someone looking over me.”
It was during Luca’s fight that Jones signed for Liverpool from Middlesbrough. His commitments as first-team stopper at the Championship club meant that he felt he was spending too much time away from his son, and so when Roy Hodgson offered him solace in the form of a £2.3m transfer move, the boyhood reds fan couldn’t say no.
With the imperious Pepe Reina at the helm, along with the free signing of Brazilian international Doni earlier this Summer, first team appearances have been limited to single figures for Jones. However, with both now suspended, it is Jones who is in possession of the gloves for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with bitter rivals Everton.
His partner, physiotherapist Dani Lawrence, tweeted shortly after the penalty save to express her pride; “Me and Nico are so proud of you, whatever the final score is. Luca is watching. <3 #rip “
One thing is for sure. If their goalkeeper can gather upon at least one ounce of the strength and determination that he showed during his son’s tragic cancer battle on Saturday, then it can only do Liverpool’s chances of another Wembley final a world of good. Bradley Jones, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
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