How Sunderland-mad Bradley Lowery became ‘best friends’ with Jermain Defoe – as campaign launches for striker to receive gong at Sports Personality of the Year awards
SUNDERLAND fan Bradley Lowery's incredible bravery united fans on both sides of the Tyne-Wear rivalry - with him and footie ace Jermain Defoe striking up a very special bond.
Newcastle fans proudly chanted his name at St James's Park and belted out songs in his honour on away trips.
And the little lad's friendship with his favourite player Jermain Defoe has brought tears to the eyes of well-wishers everywhere.
Now fans have called for the England and former Tottenham star to receive a special award for his friendship with the inspirational child.
Supporters have have called for the BBC to make a special accolade for him at the end of year Sports Personality of the Year award, reported .
The pair's heartwarming friendship began in September last year when little Bradley led out the Sunderland team as they hosted Everton in the Premier League.
Bradley received a huge round of applause during the fifth minute of the game at the Stadium of Light, and both sides sang "there's only one Bradley Lowery".
Speaking after meeting his hero Defoe, Bradley told the "This has been amazing. I got to meet Jermain Defoe, who's my favourite and everyone said my name.
"Thank you everyone."
Then three months later, he met Defoe again when he came out onto the pitch during the Black Cats' match against Chelsea.
Little Bradley met Diego Costa before scoring a penalty against Chelsea goalie Asmir Begovic - a strike later chosen as Match of the Day's Goal of the Month for December.
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Support for Brad spread across dressing rooms everywhere, with Troy Deeney handing Defoe a Christmas card for the lad on behalf of the whole Watford team.
In February, Defoe and his team-mates visited Bradley in hospital - and a snap of the little lad asleep in his arms broke hearts everywhere.
Speaking about the visit, Defoe said: "As soon as I walked into the room, he jumped up and grabbed me and said: 'get in the bed!'
"He got the covers on me, he said to his mum: 'could you turn the lights off?' He just wanted a cuddle and to go to sleep.
"You can imagine the unbelievable feeling. Obviously, it fills you with tears, but you can't show your emotions as he is only young and you don't want to show him you were upset.
"I have been blessed in life and it is a great feeling to be able to give something back and make someone so happy, a little boy who is having a tough time at the moment.
"Bradley is in my prayers every night. He is an amazing young man."
In March, little Bradley stole the show when he appeared at Wembley as England's mascot against Lithuania, tightly gripping Defoe's hands.
But after last-ditch radical therapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital failed, little Brad was given just weeks to live.
The striker joined more than 250 friends and family at Bradley's sixth birthday party in May after he was too ill to celebrate it at home.
His best friend Defoe continued to visit him throughout his battle, raising little Brad's spirits and speaking to his parents Gemma and Carl every day.
And despite the striker leaving Sunderland for Bournemouth, he insisted on visiting Bradley at home in Blackhall Colliery last week.
Tear-jerking photos shared on Facebook showed Bradley snuggling up to Defoe in bed.
The striker's love for the brave lad was clear when he broke down in tears at a press conference.
He told reporters: "It has been difficult... It has been hard. I have kept this in for so long.
"I have tried to be strong for my family and his family but I don't know how to put in words how I feel. It is a special time, having that special time with Brads.
"The first moment I met him and I could not believe he was the young kid who was ill because he ran over to me.
"From that moment, there was an instant connection.
"I knew he would be mascot but I hadn't seen a picture and he just run over to me.
"His energy in the changing rooms. Bossing the other kids about. A great character.
"I speak to the family every day and I was with him a few days ago. It was tough to see him suffer like that.
"I felt like I was prepared for it after what I went through previously with my dad.
"It was so tough to see a kid of that age going through it for so long.
"It got to the stage where he is obviously struggling. I can say it is probably a matter of days.
"He will always be in my heart for the rest of my life. What can I say? We are there for the family, even going forward. It is difficult. It puts stuff into perspective.
"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."
Sunderland pay tribute to Jermain's special relationship with brave Bradley
Bradley Lowery's beloved Sunderland led the tributes to their mascot, describing him as "an inspiration".
The club said they extended their love to his parents Gemma and Carl and his brother Kieran.
A statement said: "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."