JERMAIN DEFOE has reunited with Bradley Lowerys’ mother on the six year anniversary of his death.
The young Sunderland fan died six years ago from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
INSTAGRAMJermain Defoe reunited with Bradley Lowery’s mother, Gemma[/caption]
INSTAGRAMThe meeting was six years after Bradley died[/caption]
Getty Images – GettyThe young Sunderland fan and Defoe built up a firm friendship[/caption]
Defoe, 40, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram as he announced that Bradley’s mother Gemma would be a guest on his podcast.
The post was captioned: “A very emotional day with special guest @glowery83 on my @bbcsounds podcast today. Thank you so much for your time .
“It was so nice to talk about his journey and all the amazing work you are still doing for @bradleysfight to raise awareness on child cancer and support other children and families.
“He will always hold a special place in my heart .”
Defoe struck up a close bond with Lowery while the England international played for the Mackems between 2015-17.
Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, near Hartlepool, battled cancer most of his young life before he lost his fight on July 7.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of just 18 months.
He beat the disease once but after some time in remission it came back in July 2016.
PA:Press AssociationBradley sadly passed away in 2017[/caption]
His family desperately raised money for treatment in the US but doctors delivered the heart-breaking news that the little boy’s cancer had become terminal.
The youngster’s mum Gemma announced on Facebook that he sadly lost his battle with cancer on July 7 in 2017.
Defoe broke down in emotional scenes during a press conference on the eve of Bradley’s death, telling reporters the boy would “always be in my heart”.
The former England international was honoured with an OBE in the Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his charity work and he dedicated the gong to Bradley.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation was set up in the youngster’s memory. It aims to help other people with terminal illnesses.