BRADLEY’S BIG DAY OUT

JERMAIN DEFOE first met Bradley Lowery when a group of Sunderland’s players visited the fiveyear-old in hospital.

Bradley — who suffers from Neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer — was so fond of the striker he fell asleep cuddling up to him in his hospital bed (below).

They have since grown close, with Defoe carrying him out at the start of the game against Everton at Goodison Park at the end of February.

Bradley — whose parents were told he only has months to live in December — is a football-obsessed Sunderland fan and has touched the hearts of supporters across the game. He also won the BBC Match of the

Day goal of the month for a penalty scored against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. Bradley was delighted to be selected as a mascot for yesterday’s game against Lithuania and the prospect of walking out with Defoe, who he refers to as his ‘best mate’.

Joe Hart, England captain for the game, stepped aside in the tunnel to let the pair lead the team out.

Bradley returned to the North East following England’s win to continue his treatment and after the match Defoe tweeted: ‘I hope you had an amazing day @Bradleysfight. It was perfect to walk out at @wembleystadium with you...#BestMates #England’. Donations to Bradley can be made at: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/bradleylowerysfight

A big noise: Bradley is with Defoe as they lead team out PICTURE: ANDY HOOPER

GETTY IMAGES / ANDY HOOPER Guest of honour: Bradley takes his place in the line-up (far left), then gives Defoe one final hug before watching the action from the stands (right)