Jermain Defoe Carries Bradley Lowery Onto Pitch Before Swansea Clash

Jermain Defoe carried out Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery today at the Stadium of Light, after his condition has worsened.

The young fan, who has managed to bring together all football fans as they support him during his battle with cancer, has struck up a close friendship with Defoe, appearing alongside him for many Sunderland and England games.

"Bradley loves Jermain and the bond between them is special," Gemma Lowery told the Sunderland Echo. "We will never forget how he has helped cheer Bradley up and put a smile on his face when nothing else could.

"The same goes for Sunderland football club, I can honestly say that they have done everything they can to support us and helped make special memories."

Defoe carries Bradley. Credit: PA

Prior to the match, which ended with the already relegated Black Cats suffering a two nil defeat to Swansea, fans chanted "there's only one Bradley Lowery" in unison as banners showed support to him and his family.

The club confirmed that money made from match day programs will be donated to his fight, following his mother confirming earlier this week his cancer has "progressed a lot".

"Bradley has been experiencing a lot of pain over the past few weeks with his legs. Originally we thought it might of been off him doing to much playing," his mum wrote on the Facebook page Bradley Lowery's fight against neuroblastoma. "However he went down for an emergency MRI today and it has been confirmed that his cancer has progressed a lot and this is what is causing the pain.

"The consultant is trying to organise radio therapy on the site to allow us to get to America but we will know more tomorrow.

"This is not good news for us and things are moving to fast."

The world of football has looked after the five-year-old this season, as he has been a mascot for Sunderland a number of times, as well as England, who he led out for their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

The five-year old was invited by The FA to walk out with the players at Wembley, following on from serving as mascot for his beloved club.

Keep fighting Bradley, we're all with you.

Topics: Jermain Defoe, Sunderland

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.