Soccer community mourns loss of Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery

Bradley Lowery holds the hand of England's Jermain Defoe prior to the World Cup Group F qualifying soccer match between England and Lithuania. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)

The soccer community is mourning the loss of Bradley Lowery, the beloved Sunderland supporter who captured the hearts of fans and players alike during his battle with terminal cancer.

Lowery died of neuroblastoma on Friday at age six.

Lowery’s bond with the soccer community began in September 2016, when he was the guest of honour during Sunderland’s Premier League game against Everton. He led Sunderland out to the pitch alongside his hero, Jermain Defoe—a moment Defoe said is one of his highlights from his time with Sunderland—and was immediately embraced by fans who continued to follow his story and show support via social media.

Defoe and Lowery formed a very special bond. Defoe often visited the family and the two kept in touch on a daily basis.

The two friends also led England out to the field at Wembley prior to a World Cup qualifier in March.

Defoe also attended Lowery’s sixth birthday in May.

Defoe, who is now with Bournemouth, broke down during a press conference when asked about Lowery on Thursday.

“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,” he told reporters.

https://twitter.com/SimonNRicketts/status/883345074028937216

Sunderland released a club statement on Lowery’s passing to pay tribute to him and the impact he made on everyone at the Stadium of Light.

Here’s an excerpt:

[blockquote]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 story not only touched our club and our fans, but also the wider football community. Football can be a powerful force for good and our sport came together to embrace Bradley’s fight in a unique way. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to every club and fan who supported Bradley in recent months and showed such warmth and kindness to the Lowery’s – we are truly grateful.[cite]-Sunderland team statement[/cite][/blockquote]

Numerous other clubs around the league also showed their support for Lowery during his fight, putting up banners and chanting his name during matches, and helping the family’s fundraising efforts to help other children battling the disease.

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