Jermain Defoe has sent a wonderful message to Bradley Lowery on what would have been his seventh birthday.
The football mad youngster from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, captured the hearts of a nation with his incredible smile despite having to go through things no kid should have to experience.
Bradley sadly lost his battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, in July but he will live long in the memory for a number of people, especially Defoe.
One Bradley Lowery :heart: #SPOTY pic.twitter.com/BzfWueECe0
- BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2017
The Bournemouth striker formed a special bond with Bradley during his time at Sunderland, Defoe going well out of his way to spend time with him.

He walked out with him for an England friendly at Wembley, visited Bradley in hospital as he underwent treatment and also attended his birthday party with then-Sunderland teammate Vito Mannone.
Bradley had a huge impact on Defoe and he shared a heartwarming tribute to the little man today:
Bradley would have been seven years old today. I know you're up there smiling down on us, especially your mum, dad and brother, and I bet you're throwing another memorable party. Happy birthday, mate. We miss you and love you more than you'll ever know... :blue_heart: pic.twitter.com/h0gnNdR4cO
- Jermain Defoe (@IAmJermainDefoe) May 17, 2018
Bradley's legacy lives on through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up in his honour and helps seriously ill children like him.
His mother Gemma and Defoe's partner Rachael Calvert will raise funds for the charity by taking part in a parachute jump, while Sunderland have come up with the 'For Bradley' initiative - the proceeds going towards building a holiday home, to be called 'Bradley's Place', for seriously ill children and their families.
:homes:️ Please continue to support for @Bradleysfight and help us create a holiday home for sick children and their families.
- Sunderland AFC :red_circle::white_circle: (@SunderlandAFC) May 17, 2018
More details :point_down: #ForBradleyhttps://t.co/4dFuuYhuU6
Happy 7th birthday to my beautiful angel up in heaven.
- Bradley Lowery Foundation (@Bradleysfight) May 17, 2018
Mammy, daddy and your big brother Kieran love you and miss you more than any words could ever describe.#happybirthdaybradley pic.twitter.com/cJVBXtK2qs
:heart: #HappyBirthdayBrad
- Sunderland AFC :red_circle::white_circle: (@SunderlandAFC) May 17, 2018
Today would have been the 7th birthday of a very special little boy. Bradley Lowery's bravery and smile touched us all, and his legacy continues to help poorly children & their families. pic.twitter.com/d2K9zPG6w3
Sunderland will be releasing a limited edition shirt featuring a logo 'For Bradley for everyone' - ALL profits will go towards the Bradley Lowery foundation.
- Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 17, 2017
For a club that can't do much right at the moment, this is something they have never let themselves down on. :clap: pic.twitter.com/Uq6AlCZL68
We hope you're having fun up there on your special day, Brad.
Topics: Football News, Jermain Defoe, Football, Sunderland
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