Sunderland AFC superfan, Bradley Lowery, has died after a battle with a rare cancer, aged just six.
The football fanatic struck up a close friendship with star striker Jermain Defoe after he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, with the player only yesterday describing the youngster as his “best mate”.
After Bradley’s family announced the news, swathes of people took to social media to pay tribute to him, from the England national football side to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
There's only one Bradley Lowery. pic.twitter.com/dzW6mB9lAN
— England (@England) July 7, 2017
Heartbreaking to hear that Bradley Lowery has died. I'll never forget images of Defoe & Bradley when he was Sunderland and England's mascot.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 7, 2017
Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2017
We are sad to hear of the passing of Bradley Lowery, whose bravery touched the hearts of football fans around the world.#OneBradleyLowery pic.twitter.com/ACGP8oGUGT
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 7, 2017
In a statement on the family’s Facebook page, Bradley’s mother Gemma Lowery said: “My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13.35pm, 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 angel.”
The thoughts of all at #SAFC are with the Lowery family following this afternoon's sad news.#OneBradleyLowery ?
➡️https://t.co/EtrhMlpbqt pic.twitter.com/MeYOey4d3v
— Sunderland AFC ?⚪ (@SunderlandAFC) July 7, 2017
Even Sunderland’s biggest football rivals paid tribute.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Bradley Lowery and all who supported him throughout his brave battle. pic.twitter.com/8Zvt2AxYyx
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 7, 2017
2/2 We will be holding a minutes applause for Bradley ahead of this evenings game with @SunderlandAFC to pay our respects to him and family
— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) July 7, 2017
?❤️ | Everyone at Everton Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bradley Lowery: https://t.co/rrCX5Nv8Gk pic.twitter.com/E9h6BJqQ7f
— Everton (@Everton) July 7, 2017
You inspired us all with your bravery. Rest in peace, Bradley Lowery. pic.twitter.com/KOkoQlSZd3
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) July 7, 2017
RIP Bradley Lowery! ?❤️
We will never forget you little guy! ? pic.twitter.com/PkCmhCaXRG
— Footy Away Days (@FootyAwayDays_) July 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/henryfraser0/status/883339659694223361
Jermaine Defoe and Bradley Lowery should win the Sports Personality of The Year award together as one. Moved a nation. ?
— alfie [insert clan here] (@bangthatdotty) July 7, 2017
