Lewis is a brave heart

Now some of the biggest names in world sport are backing a fundraising campaign inspired by the brave Londonderry lad.

US Open champion Graeme McDowell, fifteen time World darts champion Phil "The Power" Taylor, and Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom are just three who have donated signed memorabilia for a fundraising auction for children with heart problems organised by Lewis' grateful dad Neil Bronze.

Since Christmas the Lincoln Courts man has gathered an impressive hoard of collectibles donated by some of the biggest names in sport and television.

Whilst a date and venue have yet to be decided all funds from the auction will go to the Children's Heartbeat Trust (CHT), a local charity very close to the Bronze family's heart.

Amongst those supporting the auction is the biggest name in golf at the moment, Graeme McDowell, who has donated a signed Calloway golf hat.

Darts superstar Phil Taylor has donated a signed Unicorn Darts shirt whilst Rocky Elsom has sent a Brumbies Super 14 rugby union shirt signed by three rugby legends, George Smith, Stirling Mortlock and himself.

Elsom also included a handwritten letter with the shirt in which he wrote: "This is the first time that three consecutive Australia Wallaby captains have played in the one Super 14 team.

"As Stirling Mortlock and George Smith are retiring from Australian rugby at the end of 2010 this jersey holds historical significance as a collector's item. We would all like to wish Lewis the best of luck with his future. He has a true brave heart. You must be very proud."

Linfield legend Noel Bailie also enclosed a personal letter with a shirt donated by the current Blues squad.

He wrote: "Hopefully, you will get a few people interested in the auction and hopefully it will help in your aim of raising money for the Heartbeat charity.

"Good luck with the money raising and good luck to Lewis. He seems quite a boy and as I have two young children myself I know how precious Lewis must be."

CHT means a lot to the Bronze family. Lewis was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and during the first three months of his life the prognosis was dire.

Neil explained: "The deal was to keep him alive for six months up in Altnagelvin and when he was big enough and strong enough take him down to the Royal for open heart surgery. Our life was in turmoil. For three months we were up and down to Altnagelvin but we have two other sons you see. So it was difficult. We had to get friends and family to look after them.

"We were constantly up at the hospital. We were watching him slip away basically. He had drips in his head. He had feeding tubes up his nose. He was a mess. It was heartbreaking."

When little Lewis was fighting for his life CHT put the Bronze family up in accommodation at the Royal ensuring they could be with their son around the clock.

"The Heartbeat charity themselves, we couldn't have asked for any more from them. They were fantastic," said Neil. "All of those years ago they really looked after us. They put us up in the hospital in a flat free of charge so we were able to be with him 24/7."

Thus sparked Neil's decision to give something back to the charity. As well as the forthcoming auction he has arranged a charity football match between Lincoln Courts and Tesco scheduled to take place on July 30 at 6.30pm at the Riverside Stadium.

Institute FC Chairman Trevor Hewitt has kindly offered the stadium for the match.

Meanwhile Lewis' brother Leigh, uncles Ryan and Darryl Hamilton, and family friend Derek Leonard will be running the Waterside Half Marathon in September in support of CHT.

The sports memorabilia collection is certain to raise interest amongst sports fans in the North West.

The amazing collection includes a signed Ulster Rugby shirt and match ball courtesy of Brian McLaughlin and the Ulster squad; a signed Northern Ireland shirt courtesy of Rory Patterson; a signed Walsall FC shirt courtesy of Steve Jones; a pair of signed John Duddy boxing gloves; a signed print of England international Glen Johnson; a signed Jack Wilshere print; a print of legendary racehorse Istabraq (signed by Charlie Swan); a signed Ant and Dec autobiography; and two signed Newcastle United matchday programmes.

Neil also hopes to take delivery of a signed copy of Tom Jones' new album "Praise and Blame" when it is released shortly.

He has also written to a host of other stars including David Beckham and Brian O'Driscoll in the hope they will also provide something to auction for the charity.

He has even thrown in one of his own treasured possessions - a rather impressive Argentina Football Squad Programme 1978-82 - dating from a European tour 30 years ago.

"This is my personal property," he said. "The Argentina programme 1978-82. It was just after they won the World Cup. They toured England and played a friendly at Wembley. Maradona's signature is in there and Ossie Ardiles, Mario Kempes - basically all the players are in there."

Anyone interested in contributing to the charity auction can contact Neil on 07845527957. All donations are welcome.