Who was Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery and how did he die?
IN 2017, the nation was left heartbroken after six-year-old Bradley Lowery passed away following a battle with cancer.
Here we take a look at the legacy Bradley left behind and how the football world reacted to the devastating news of his death.
Who was Bradley Lowery?
Bradley Lowery was from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool.
The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before tragically losing the fight in 2017.
How did Bradley battle neuroblastoma?
Bradley was diagnosed with the disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes bone, and bone marrow.
After undergoing major surgery and chemotherapy, Bradley pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
Tragically in 2016, his mum Gemma revealed the cancer had returned, and more than £700,000 was raised to send him to the US for special antibody treatment.
Then in December 2016, his family were dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal and the US treatment would only give them more time.
Brave Bradley underwent radical immuno-therapy treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital as a last chance, but tragically it failed.
Mum Gemma revealed Bradley had passed away on July 7, 2017, in a Facebook post paying tribute to "our little superhero".
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The post read: ‘’ My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family.
‘’He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.
‘’There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.
‘’Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words.
‘’Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels.’’
How did the football world react to Bradley passing away?
In the wake of Bradley’s death, the football world was left mourning the brave six-year-old who had captured the hearts of many.
Sunderland released a statement reading: "Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms.
‘’Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all.
"He was truly an inspiration.
"His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met.
"He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see.
"Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken.
"Bradley's story not only touched our club and our fans, but also the wider football community.
"Football can be a powerful force for good and our sport came together to embrace Bradley's fight in a unique way."
Leeds United penned: ‘’Everyone at Leeds United sends their condolences to the family of Bradley Lowery.
‘’Rest in peace Bradley, you won’t be forgotten.’’
Also paying tribute, Everton wrote: ‘’Everyone at Everton Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bradley Lowery.’’
Chelsea added: ‘’All at Chelsea are deeply saddened to learn of Bradley Lowery’s passing. He touched all of us with his bravery and winning smile.’’
Others in the football world who paid their respects to Bradley included England, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, FIFA, and Liverpool.
What is Neuroblastoma?
According to Cancer Research UK: ‘’Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children.’’
It mostly affects children under the age of five years and around 100 children between the ages of 0 and 14 years are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year in the UK.
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that starts in a type of nerve cell called a neuroblast.
Neuroblastoma often starts in the tummy (abdomen), commonly in the adrenal glands and the nerve tissue at the back of the abdomen.
Like other cancers, it can spread to other parts of the body.
It is not known what exactly causes Neuroblastoma.
The most common symptom is a lump in the abdomen - which can cause swelling, discomfort, or pain.
Other symptoms depend on where the neuroblastoma starts in the body and whether it is just in one place (localised) or has spread to other parts of the body.
Other symptoms might include, numbness, weakness, loss of movement in the lower part of the body, breathlessness, and difficulty swallowing.
How did Bradley know Jermain Defoe?
The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club.
Bradley was a regular mascot for Sunderland - where he was seen holding the hand of his idol Defoe, who was said to be heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
A few months prior to his passing, Bradley led England out at Wembley alongside his hero, Defoe.
In 2017, the footballer penned an emotional tribute to his ‘’best pal’’ Bradley - saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking on to the pitch with the brave youngster.
"The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle - a goal people still come up to me and talk about!!,’’ he said.
In April 2023, Jermain Defoe reunited with Bradley Lowery’s mother, Gemma - six years after the brave football fan’s death.
Defoe posted a heartfelt message on Instagram revealing that 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.
"He will always hold a special place in my heart,’’ followed by a red love heart emoji.
Defoe 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.
What is the Bradley Lowery Foundation?
The Bradley Lowery Foundation, established in August 2017, was set up to support families going through similar battles.
The foundation also supports research into neuroblastoma and childhood cancers.
By August 2017 the charity had raised over £1.3m.