Sunderland football mascot Bradley Lowery dies

By Q radio news

Six-year-old Bradley Lowery, the Sunderland mascot who developed a friendship with Jermain Defoe, has died.

"My brave boy has went with the angels today... in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family," a Facebook post said.

"He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed elsewhere.

"There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words.

"Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels."

Sunderland Football Club, for whom Bradley had repeatedly been a mascot, praised the six-year-old's "indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms".

Describing him as "an inspiration" they said his "bravery and fortitude" had "humbled us all".

The six-year-old from Blackhall, County Durham had been battling a rare form of childhood cancer - neuroblastoma - since he was just 18-months old.

On Thursday, England forward Jermain Defoe who had formed a close bond with the youngster, broke down during a news conference at his new club Bournemouth when asked about Bradley's health.

The striker, said: "There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about little Bradley because his love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes. It is special."

After two years of treatment he managed to beat the disease - only for it to return again in July 2016.

Scans at Christmas revealed his cancer was terminal, and his condition had deteriorated quickly over the last few weeks.

It was when appearing as a mascot for Sunderland's Premier League match against Chelsea in December 2016, that Bradley had struck up a friendship with his "best friend" Defoe.

The football star, who said Bradley's cheeky smile and "energy" had drawn him to the youngster as soon as they met, had often visited him in hospital.

When Defoe scored his first goal for England in four years during the World Cup qualifier in Wembley against Lithuania earlier this year, Bradley was there as a mascot.

Describing the experience, Bradley said: "I have had an amazing day and I will never forget Jermain because I love him so much."

Last week, Defoe attended a party Bradley's family had held for him.

Following news of Bradley's death, Sunderland described Defoe as "heartbroken".

England Football team tweeted simply "There's only one Bradley Lowery", with a picture of him wearing an England home kit with a double thumbs up.

Former Newcastle United manager and Match Of The Day pundit Alan Shearer tweeted: "An inspirational life cut way too short".

Former England striker Gary Lineker said: "Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley."

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright praised the Lowery family, saying: "God bless you, you've done a magnificent job through the plight of your brave boy to bring awareness to this disease. May he rest in peace.X"

Last year Bradley was a guest of honour at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and he was given Match Of The Day's goal of the month award in December after scoring in the warm-up of Sunderland's game against Chelsea.

An appeal to send Bradley Christmas cards ended with him receiving 315,000 through the post.

A minute's applause will be held for Bradley ahead of Friday's match between Sunderland and Bury Football club, with the players and fans paying their respects to the mascot and his family.

Throughout his illness, Bradley's family and friends have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to fight neuroblastoma, and will now set up a foundation in his name to offer help and support other children and parents facing the disease.