Fans across the UK and, indeed, the world have paid touching tribute to six-year-old Bradley Lowery, who sadly lost his battle with cancer last week.
Former Sunderland footballer, Jermain Defoe, led the charge with his moving dedication to his biggest fan and “best friend”, who passed away on Friday.
The striker became friends with Bradley after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. The friendship was well documented on social media and touched the hearts of football fans everywhere.
A seasoned Black Cats fan, Bradley was once even allowed take a penalty kick at the Stadium of Light against Chelsea, and became a mascot for the England national soccer side. Last March, he walked hand-in-hand with Jermain before the match against Lithuania.
Bradley’s death was announced by his parents on Facebook last Friday, and Jermain took to Twitter on Saturday to pay his respects for the brave little man.
“Goodbye my friend, gonna miss you lots. I feel so blessed God brought you into my life and had some amazing moments with you and for that I’m so grateful.
“You will never know the difference you made to me as a person. God has you in his arms and I will always carry you in my heart. Sleep tight little one. My best friend.”
Many footballers and officials followed suit over the weekend, including stars from Sunderland, Manchester United, Chelsea, and England AFC.
Ex-English players including Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler sent their sympathies to the Lowery family.
So sorry that little @Bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut way too short. Thoughts with his amazing family & friends RIP
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 7, 2017
"Sending our love and deepest sympathies to all of his family, friends and everyone aching by this awful news. #RIPBRADLEY," Alan Shearer tweeted.
Presenter and former footballer Gary Lineker also offered his condolences on Twitter: "Sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley."
Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2017
Bradley's Facebook page was flooded with loving tributes and farewells, with one person posting: "The first time you walked on the pitch, you stole everyone's heart. Your radiant smile lit up the Stadium of Light like a beacon...You will live on in all our hearts and the history of the club. Shine bright, little man. Never ever forgotten. RIP."
Hundreds of tributes are being left for Bradley at the Stadium of Light from Sunderland fans, and continue to mount up.
GAA fans here will give a minute's applause for Bradley at the Dublin vs Kildare match, at the weekend.
Bradley’s fundraising campaign, originally established to fund his cancer treatment, will continue to raise money and spread awareness of neuroblastoma.
You can visit Bradley’s memorial page here.
