Staff ReporterBradley Lowery, a six-year-old boy fighting a rare form of cancer, has died, his family has confirmed.
The boy captured the hearts of thousands as 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).
“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.”
Bradley 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.
Unfortunately Bradley’s condition deteriorated beyond the point of a cure but not before he captured the hearts of thousands – 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.
Bradley, who is a big fan of the football club, got the chance to act as a mascot and walk out on the pitch with Defore at an England game earlier this year.
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