The family of little Bradley Lowery have shared an emotional update on the little boy’s worsening condition today.
“Bradley has had a settled day, he is no longer responsive but we know he is listening to everything we say. He is fighting so hard it's heartbreaking for us to watch,” the post read.
“When the time comes there will be an update on his page first before anywhere else. Thank you for all your kind words and support,” it concluded.
Bradley, aged six, is terminally ill with a rare form of cancer known as neuroblastoma.
Over the past week, his family have revealed that his condition has worsened. Yesterday, family friend Lynn Murphy wrote: "Bradley is still fighting to stay with us. Nobody knows where he is getting the strength from or how he is doing it.
"He has been very close to going with the angels but he pulls himself out of it. It is a hard time for us waiting and watching for our baby to take his last breath. He started with fighting and he is ending with fighting.”
The brave young boy became well-known after a fundraising campaign to raise money for specialist treatment for him gained traction online.
Many celebrities have lent Bradley their support, including footballer Jermain Defoe who struck up a close friendship with the little boy when he acted as a mascot for Sunderland Football Club.
Defoe broke down in tears at a press conference this week as he spoke about the little boy’s illness.
“I was with him a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that. He's obviously struggling. I can say it's a matter of days," he admitted.
"He will always be in my heart for the rest of my life. There isn't a day that goes past when I don't wake up and check my phone or think about little Bradley.
“Because his love is genuine and I can see that in his eyes when he looks at me. So, it’s just special.”
Last weekend, on hearing Bradley had taken a turn for the worst, the kindhearted footballer visited the youngster at his home.
His family posted a photo online of the footballer gently cuddling the little boy as he slept.
“Late last night his best friend Jermain came to visit him and it was so heart-warming to see how Bradley reacted,” the post read.
“He was so happy and laid for ages getting cuddles. Bradley was really relaxed with him.”
We cannot imagine the anguish Bradley’s mum Gemma and all his family are going through and we are thinking of them at this sad time.
