The schoolboy passed away in his parents' arms today after battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Photo / Getty Images
The schoolboy passed away in his parents' arms today after battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Photo / Getty Images
The moving sound of applause rang out before the Bury v Sunderland match this evening as thousands of fans paid tribute to six-year-old Bradley Lowery who died this afternoon.
The schoolboy passed away in his parents' arms today after battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.
In his short life, the Sunderland fan earned the love and admiration of millions worldwide and raised more than £1million through his charity Bradley's Fight, reports Daily Mail.
His bereft mother Gemma revealed on Bradley's Facebook page that her son had died at 1.35pm, writing: "My brave boy has went with the angels today, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family. 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."
His courageous spirit won him a legion of fans including football stars and celebrities alike. He struck a close bond with England and former Sunderland striker Jemain Defoe, who called Bradley his "best mate" and said he is "heartbroken" today.
Six-year-old Bradley Lowery (pictured with his mother Gemma) has died today in his parents' arms after losing his long and brave battle with cancer. Photo / Getty Images
Bradley's death has led to an outpouring of grief - especially in the world of football - with clubs and their stars paying tribute to the "ultimate little fighter".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted his condolences this evening after learning the tragic news. The politican wrote: "Heartbreaking to hear that Bradley Lowery has died. I'll never forget images of Defoe & Bradley when he was Sunderland and England's mascot."
Thousands of people across social media have used the hashtag #OneBradleyLowery in tribute to six-year-old. Football legend Gary Lineker described him as a "warrior and an inspiration to the end".
And 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."
Bradley, from Hartlepool, County Durham, had been in and out of hospital with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive care treatments for the past year.
He had neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, with fewer than 100 children in the UK diagnosed each year.
Touched by his story, the nation came together in a bid to initially cure his illness - with more than £1 million being raised for his official charity, Bradley's Fight, including large donations from several top flight clubs.
And the country's efforts to cheer him up did not stop when it became clear that his condition was terminal, as he was named as the 41st runner in the Grand National and had a charity single soar up the charts.
Last night Mrs Lowery revealed that her son, who was a mascot at his beloved Black Cats and for England, was "no longer responsive" but was "listening to everything we say".
But his health deteriorated further and he died this afternoon.
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."
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"
Everton star 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."
Sunderland footballers Jermain Defoe and Vito Mannone (right) with terminally ill football mascot Bradley Lowery, as he celebrates his sixth birthday. Photo / Getty Images
Bury FC, who are playing against Sunderland in a friendly tonight, said there would be a minute's applause for the youngster ahead of kick-off.
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"
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."
Bradley and and "best friend" Jermaine Defoe were pictured snuggled up together at the youngster's home in Blackhall, County Durham last week after the little boy had a party in bed as a way of saying goodbye.
Bradley Lowery plays football on the pitch before the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Photo / Getty Images
As Bradley continued to fight for life, Defoe broke down in tears on Thursday at a press conference with his new club, Bournemouth, when he was asked about their special bond.
The Premier League star said: "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."
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."
Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland several times last season and found a place in the hearts of thousands of football fans around the world.
Supporters of different clubs made banners and chanted his name at games.
He was an England mascot at Wembley when Defoe scored on his return to the Three Lions side.
And Defoe was guest of honour at a huge party thrown for Bradley's sixth birthday in May.
Supporters had hoped a massive fundraising effort last year could get him to the US for pioneering treatment, but his heartbroken family announced at Christmas that his cancer was terminal.
His family announced last Wednesday that Bradley's health was "deteriorating fast", and that they were "heart broken beyond words" over his condition.
"Bradley is deteriorating fast, his temperature is going very high his breathing very fast his oxygen levels low," his family revealed in a statement on Facebook.
"He is sleeping most of the time apart from odd times awake," the statement added. "We knew this was coming but we are heart broken beyond words. We have been told he could be like this for days it just depends on him and his body."
The Facebook post was followed with three broken heart emojis.
Hours later, Bradley's mother, Gemma, posted a photo of Bradley and his brother on Twitter and Facebook with the caption: "My two boys, my world, my everything.'
On Friday, the family updated supporters again with another Facebook message.
"Bradley is very weak now but is still fighting on in true Bradley style. He will only go when he decides. Xxx," Gemma Lowery said in a statement published by family friend Lynn.
Heartbreakingly, in the same post, Lynn revealed sick con artists have set up fake social media pages in a bid to take advantage of Bradley's illness.
She added: "We have been made aware of fake pages created in Bradleys name to gain likes and even have justgiving pages linked to them, please be vigilant.
"Thank you for your continued support."
Bradley's parents Gemma and Carl, from Blackhall, County Durham, have used social media to regularly update his many thousands of well-wishers around the world about his condition.
Mrs Lowery previously asked people to stop contacting her on social media to ask if her son had died.
She told how people have been contacting her online suggesting inappropriate alternative therapies and asking if he has died.
Mrs Lowery wrote on Facebook: "As a parent I've done and tried everything I can to cure Bradley but unfortunately nothing has worked."
And Mrs Lowery has been forced to ask people to stop speculating about his death.
She wrote: "Also I really don't like to read messages saying that you think my child is going to die within the next week, asking if he has died yet, or asking if I know when he is going to die so please think of how I feel when reading that sort of thing before sending a message."
Bradley's mother, from Blackhall, County Durham, also said she will not respond to messages recommending alternative therapies, such as cannabis oil.
Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland several times last season and struck up a remarkable friendship with top scorer Defoe.
The duo's special bond began in September 2016 when Sunderland hosted Everton in the Premier League.
The Sunderland-mad Bradley led his beloved Black Cats out on the pitch as a mascot before receiving a round of applause during the fifth minute at the Stadium of Light.
Supporters of both clubs sung "there's only one Bradley Lowery", before a banner carrying the message, "we're with you, Bradley" was carried around the stadium.
Their relationship continued, and Bradley led Defoe out on the pitch several times over the next few months.
Most recently, Defoe and Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone attended Bradley's sixth birthday celebration in May.
Fans of different clubs all over the country united also sung his name at matches and held banners for him.
Bradley was also a mascot for England at Wembley when his hero scored in a World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania in his comeback game.
Away from football, his cause also transcended into other sports, and he was named as an honourary 41st runner in this year's Grand National.
And after jockey Derek Fox rode One For Arthur to victory, he was pictured with young Bradley on his shoulders.
Earlier this week, classmates at Blackhall Colliery Primary School, Country Durham, teamed up to perform a heartwarming rendition of the song Smile for little Bradley.
The song, recorded with the help local sister act Liv 'n' G, has already soared up the charts in the iTunes top 20.
Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and last year more than £700,000 was raised for him to receive special treatment in the United States.
The youngster spent years in and out of hospital with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive care treatments.
Earlier this year, scans revealed a new tumour in the little Sunderland fan's back and Bradley's family later announced that radial treatment for the boy's cancer wasn't working.
The youngster was going through gruelling chemotherapy treatment to reduce the cancer, found above his kidney, but his family announced in the spring that it was having no effect.
The devastating news came shortly after it was revealed the young football fan was in line to receive pioneering immunotherapy treatment.
His cancer affects around 100 children in the UK every year.
The touching friendship between young Bradley and footballer Jermain Defoe
His best known supporter is footballer Jermain Defoe, for whom he has been a mascot at Sunderland and England matches. Photo / Getty Images
Bradley Lowery captured the hearts of football fans everywhere as he sparked a friendship with footballer 'best mate' Jermain Defoe.
The youngster suffered from a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma.
Defoe's relationship with Bradley has touched all of those within the beautiful game, with the pair inseparable at times as Defoe continued to support the boy in his fight.
The duo's special bond began in September 2016 when Sunderland hosted Everton in the Premier League.
The Sunderland-mad Bradley led his beloved Black Cats out on the pitch as a mascot before receiving a round of applause during the fifth minute at the Stadium of Light.
Supporters of both clubs sung "there's only one Bradley Lowery", before a banner carrying the message, "we're with you, Bradley" was carried around the stadium.
Speaking after meeting his hero Defoe, Bradley told the Sunderland Echo: "This has been amazing. I got to meet Jermain Defoe, who's my favourite and everyone said my name. Thank you everyone."
After giving Defoe tips on how to finish in the tunnel before that match, three months later Bradley demonstrated his prowess before Sunderland's draw with Chelsea.
Meeting Defoe once again, Bradley was also introduced to Diego Costa and even took a penalty against Asmir Begovic - and scoring. That effort saw him win Match of the Day's goal of the month competition for December.
Support for the youngster continued just a few days later when Watford striker Troy Deeney gave Defoe a Christmas card to deliver to Bradley on behalf of the whole Watford squad.
In February, the special bond between Defoe and Bradley was encapsulated by one photo the latter shared via his Twitter account.
As Defoe and his Sunderland team-mates visited him in hospital, young Bradley fell asleep on his bed in the arms of the forward.
"Bradley is doing well and has cheered up after having some very special visitors," his family wrote on his Facebook page.
"Thank you to Sunderland AFC, you have been amazing for Bradley.
"Bradley had lots of fun with the boys and then fell asleep cuddling Jermaine (sic). #specialmemories #grateful"
Bradley's Twitter account then posted the picture with the caption: "Bradley loves @IAmJermainDefoe he didn't want him to leave today and fell asleep cuddling into him #specialbond".
Speaking about the visit, Defoe said: "As soon as I walked into the room, he jumped up and grabbed me and said: 'Get in the bed!'"
"He got the covers on me, he said to his mum 'Could you turn the lights off?' He just wanted a cuddle and to go to sleep.
Jermain Defoe went to say goodbye to Bradley six days ago. Photo / Getty Images
"You can imagine the unbelievable feeling. Obviously, it fills you with tears, but you can't show your emotions as he is only young and you don't want to show him you were upset.
"I have been blessed in life and it is a great feeling to be able to give something back and make someone so happy, a little boy who is having a tough time at the moment.
"Bradley is in my prayers every night. He is an amazing young man and I look forward to seeing him again."
And the pair got to see each other again a month later after Defoe's fine form for Sunderland earned him a call-up to the England squad - news which delighted Bradley.
Bradley's Fight Twitter account posted the video with the caption: "Bradley was over the moon to hear his best mate had been called up for the England squad. He loves you Jermain Defoe #specialbond."
Bradley jumped for joy on hearing the news that his idol had got the recall. Defoe had last appeared for England in a friendly against Chile back in 2013.
And the 34-year-old marked his England return alongside Lowery in heartwarming scenes.
His mother Gemma had revealed how her son spoke of little else after finding out he would accompany the England side onto the pitch as mascot for their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
As the players took to the Wembley turf, Defoe carried the youngster in his arms before Bradley could be seen covering his ears, such was the thunderous cheer he and the England players received.
Defoe then managed to make Lowery's day even more special by opening the scoring in the 21st minute as England secured a 2-0 victory.
The footballer later joined Bradley at a birthday celebration in May.
Bradley was surrounded by more than 250 family and friends at the event, which boasted fire-eaters, a funfair and a marquee in Bradley's village of Blackhall, County Durham.
Defoe and Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone were there to celebrate at the party, delayed two days after he turned six as Bradley was in hospital having treatment.
His mother Gemma said: 'I'm absolutely over the moon that we have managed to get this far and celebrate Bradley's sixth birthday with all of our family and friends.
"He is actually a lot better than he has been. He's still obviously poorly and in a lot of pain but he has rested well in bed all day and he was raring to go tonight."
Speaking of her son's friendship with England star Defoe, she said: "We are very grateful for Jermain to have taken Bradley in his heart.
"So Jermain's obviously now a friend of the family rather than Bradley's idol - although he is still Bradley's idol - and he makes Bradley happy and he makes Bradley smile, and it's just lovely to see him with him."
