JERMAIN DEFOE has reunited with Bradley Lowery’s mother six years after the brave football fan’s death.
Sunderland-mad Bradley’s courageous battle against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma touched the hearts of millions of people, before he sadly passed away, aged 6.
Bradley struck up a close bond with then-Sunderland player Defoe, who became his “best friend” in his final days.
And Defoe, now 40, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram as he revealed that Bradley’s mother Gemma would be a guest on his podcast.
The post was captioned: “A very emotional day with special guest @glowery83 on my @bbcsounds podcast today. Thank you so much for your time 🙏🏼.
“It was so nice to talk about his journey and all the amazing work you are still doing for @bradleysfight to raise awareness on child cancer and support other children and families.
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“He will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️.”
Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, battled cancer most of his young life before he lost his fight on July 7 2017.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of just 18 months.
He beat the disease once but after some time in remission it came back in 2016.
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It was then that Bradley got the chance to meet his hero Defoe, when he led out his beloved Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light.
The footballer described walking out on to the pitch with the little mascot as the highlight of his time at the club.
And former England striker Defoe would text the six-year-old’s mum first thing every morning for updates.
Defoe broke down in emotional scenes during a press conference on the eve of Bradley’s death, telling reporters the boy would “always be in my heart”.
He was honoured with an OBE in the Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his charity work and he dedicated the gong to Bradley.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation was set up in the youngster’s memory. It aims to help other people with terminal illnesses.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
