Jermain Defoe has paid tribute to his friend Bradley Lowery with a beautiful message on the anniversary of his death.
Lowery battled to the very end with a smile across his face and that gave us continued hope, but on Friday 7 July 2017, a brave 6-year-old lad from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, broke the heart of a nation.
Neuroblastoma spread to his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow, but little Bradley's heart was still pure.
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Bradley may have only been with us for six short years, but he made sure that his time on this earth was precious
From walking hand in hand with best mate Jermain Defoe at Wembley Stadium to having a horse named after him at the Grand National, the youngster experienced the best of what life has to offer and it all started on a Monday night in the North East.
The world was introduced to Bradley back in September 2016.
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He proudly led the Sunderland team out for a Premier League game against Everton and was warmly welcomed by the fans. His beaming smile was shared across the country and one man who was a constant in his life was Jermain Defoe.
The former Sunderland striker made an appearance at the youngster's fairytale birthday party in May, along with goalkeeper Vito Mannone.
His 6th birthday included a marquee, jugglers, rides, stilt walkers and candy floss at Blackhall Cricket Club, near Durham, but the appearance of his best mate Jermain produced the biggest smile of the afternoon.
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Defoe was heartbroken when Bradley passed and his message a year on shows how much of impact the youngster had on his life.
Can’t believe it’s been one year since my best friend was taken away.... 💙🙏🏿
We will never forget the remarkable six year old lad from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool who bravely battled such a horrible disease.
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Bradley won the hearts of a nation with that beaming smile and heart of gold. He will never be forgotten.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Jermain Defoe, Football