The family of Bradley Lowery have shared a heart-warming story of comfort in the wake of the six-year-old's death. Bradley passed away on Friday after a long battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer.
A passionate football fan, he became a household name after his story was shared by the likes of England striker Jermain Defoe and his beloved Sunderland Football Club.
The Mirror reports that in their time of grieving, Bradley's aunt took to social media, claiming that he had 'sent a message from beyond the grave' to his devastated cousins.
In a Facebook post which has since been removed, Kelly Stonebank recounted how Bradley's mum, Gemma, told his cousins that any time they see a white feather they can rest assured Bradley was with them. This is in reference to the popular belief that white feathers are a sign of comfort from angels, after a loved one's passing.
Incredibly, shortly after Gemma shared this heart-warming tale with Kelly's children, a small white feather is said to have blown into one of the children's faces on the way to the shops.
This came on the same day that Jermain Defoe paid tribute to 'his friend', little Bradley.
"God brought you into my life, and [I] had some amazing moments with you, and for that I'm so grateful," wrote the 34-year-old.
"I'll never ever forget the way you looked at me when I met you for the first time, the genuine love in those cute eyes. Really finding it hard to find the words to express what you mean to me.
"Your courage and bravery will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life. You will never know what a difference you made to me as a person. God has you in his arms, and I will always carry you in my heart."
We're thinking of the Lowery family at this incredibly difficult time. It must come as such a comfort, though, to know that Bradley touched the lives of so many people throughout his short life.
