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.
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's legacy lives on through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up in his honour and helps seriously ill children like him.
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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.
We hope you're having fun up there on your special day, Brad.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Jermain Defoe, Football, Sunderland
