Bradley Lowery’s life celebrated with applause
Written by News on 08/07/2017
The life of young football fan Bradley Lowery has been celebrated with a minute’s applause at Sunderland’s pre-season friendly at Bury.
The tribute was held before kick-off, with Bury tweeting later: "Result means nothing, its all about Bradley Lowery this evening – condolences from all at Bury FC to the Lowery family #buryfc #ripbradley".
As mascot for Sunderland and England, Bradley won the hearts of thousands of football fans around the world as he fought bravely against neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer.
He struck up a close friendship with former Sunderland star striker Jermain Defoe and was regularly pictured with the striker at games as a club mascot.
Sunderland Football Club praised his "indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms".
Describing him as "an inspiration" they said his "bravery and fortitude" had "humbled us all".
:: ‘Little superhero’ Bradley dies after fight against cancer
Bradley died at home in Blackhall, County Durham, in his parents’ arms on Friday, surrounded by his family.
In a statement on the family’s Facebook page, his mother Gemma Lowery said: "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."
The day before Bradley died, Defoe paid tearful tribute at a news conference with his new club Bournemouth, saying: "There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about little Bradley because his love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes.
"It is special."
Sunderland said Defoe was "heartbroken".
Supporters had hoped a massive fundraising effort last year could get him to the US for pioneering treatment for the childhood cancer neuroblastoma, but his family announced at Christmas that his cancer was terminal.
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who hosted the Sports Personality Of The Year awards at which Bradley was a special guest last year, said Bradley was a "warrior and an inspiration to the end".
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"
(c) Sky News 2017: Bradley Lowery’s life celebrated with applause
