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| Bradley Lowery dead: Mother of terminally ill child confirms his passing 'surrounded by family' | Bradley Lowery dead: Mother of terminally ill child confirms his passing 'surrounded by family' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Bradley Lowery, the six-year-old football fan who captured the hearts of thousands as he fought a rare form of cancer, has died, his family has confirmed. | |
| Bradley, a Sunderland supporter, became a household name after his parents documented his battle with neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer which primarily affects children. | |
| In a statement on his Facebook page, his family wrote: "My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family (sic). | In a statement on his Facebook page, his family wrote: "My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family (sic). |
| "He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.There are no words to describe how heart broken we are. | "He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.There are no words to describe how heart broken we are. |
| "Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels." | "Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words. Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels." |
| Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham, was first diagnosed when he was just 18 months old and fought the cancer for two years before going into remission. | |
| But in July 2016 his family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned and began campaigning to raise money for treatment abroad. | But in July 2016 his family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned and began campaigning to raise money for treatment abroad. |
| Unfortunately Bradley's condition deteriorated beyond the point of a cure but not before he garnered the support of the nation – particularly due to his friendship with then Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe. | |
| Defoe, who has now moved to Bournemouth FC, became Bradley's "best friend" and would frequently visit him in hospital along with other Sunderland players. | Defoe, who has now moved to Bournemouth FC, became Bradley's "best friend" and would frequently visit him in hospital along with other Sunderland players. |
| Bradley got the chance to be a mascot and walk out on the pitch at an England game earlier this year. Defoe scored during the match, which marked his return to the side. | |
| On Thursday evening, Bradley's parents said he had become "unresponsive" but was still listening to everything they said. | On Thursday evening, Bradley's parents said he had become "unresponsive" but was still listening to everything they said. |
| Speaking at a press conference earlier that day, Defoe broke down in tears when asked about Bradley saying he "only has a matter of days" but "will always be in my heart for the rest of my life". | Speaking at a press conference earlier that day, Defoe broke down in tears when asked about Bradley saying he "only has a matter of days" but "will always be in my heart for the rest of my life". |
| He said: "It has been hard because I've been keeping this in for so long, trying to be strong for my family and his family. | |
| "I don't really know how to put into words how I feel. It has been a special time having that relationship with Brad. | "I don't really know how to put into words how I feel. It has been a special time having that relationship with Brad. |
| "I speak to the family every day, I was with them a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that. | "I speak to the family every day, I was with them a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that. |
| "I felt I was prepared for it after what I went through with my dad but it was so tough to see a kid of that age who has been going through this for so long and got to the stage where he is obviously struggling.” | "I felt I was prepared for it after what I went through with my dad but it was so tough to see a kid of that age who has been going through this for so long and got to the stage where he is obviously struggling.” |
| A statement released by Sunderland said that Defoe was "heartbroken". | |
| The club said: “Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms. | |
| “Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all. | |
| “He was truly an inspiration. | |
| “His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met. | |
| “He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see. | |
| “Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken." | |
| Bradley's family had close links with Everton after the club pledged £200,000 towards his treatment when he was mascot for the match between Sunderland and the Toffees. | |
| He went on to be a mascot for the Merseyside club too. | |
| Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “One of football's all-time greats. | |
| “We are so privileged to have known him...and will always be proud that he chose us as his second club. | |
| “We send our loving thoughts to his mam and dad and his family...plus those who were inspired by him throughout the world of football. | |
| “Especially our friends the supporters, team and staff at Sunderland AFC. And of course his beloved Jermain. Respect!! | |
| “Bradley Lowery. There's only one Bradley Lowery.” | |
| Liverpool FC tweeted: “Bradley was an inspiration to everyone. | |
| “Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.” | |
| Bury FC, who are playing against Sunderland in a friendly on Friday night, said there would be a minute's applause for the youngster ahead of kick-off. | |
| Former England striker Gary Lineker, who hosted the Sports Personality Of The Year awards at which Bradley was a special guest last year, said: “Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley.” | |
| Jordan Pickford, who played in goal for Sunderland in the past season, posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace Bradley Lowery, such an inspiration to us all #theresonlyone.” | |
| Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright praised the Lowery family, saying: “God bless you, you've done a magnificent job through the plight of your brave boy to bring awareness to this disease. May he rest in peace.X” | |
| Dr Guy Blanchard, chair of Neuroblastoma UK, said: “All in the neuroblastoma community will be saddened to hear the news of Bradley's death. | |
| ”Bradley's story raised significant awareness of a disease that is responsible for one in six of all children's cancer deaths. | |
| “Through the world-leading research funded by Neuroblastoma UK, into improving both diagnosis and treatment of the disease, we will find a cure for neuroblastoma.” | |
| Former England captain and Match Of The Day pundit Alan Shearer tweeted: “So sorry that little Bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut way too short. Thoughts with his amazing family & friends RIP.” |