HERO JERMAIN THE

HE had spent the day with his cousins and girlfriend, cuddled up under the duvet at the “bed party” he had wanted so much.

Bradley Lowery’s mum and dad had hurriedly arranged the little get-together and invited his pals to the house.

But as they watched the children greet Bradley, six, they knew their brave son was still hoping, still waiting, for a final guest to arrive.

The youngster wanted his best friend there for the cuddles that make him feel calm and happy.

And just as Bradley was drifting off to sleep his special friend arrived, slipped into his bed and wrapped him in his big strong arms.

England football star Jermain Defoe had come to say a last goodbye to the terminally ill boy who captured his heart as he bravely battled rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Because while Bradley is still fighting, his parents Gemma and Carl know that he is growing ever weaker and his life is drawing to a close.

Writing on the youngster’s official Facebook page yesterday, a family spokesman said: “He is very weak and finding breathing difficult but he is fighting it.

“Bradley insisted on having a party and he invited his cousins and girlfriend Poppy yesterday.

“They all lay there on the bed having cuddles. I think it was his way of saying his goodbyes.

Cuddles

“Late last night his best friend Jermain came to visit him and it was so heartwarming seeing how Bradley reacted.

“He was so happy and lay for ages getting cuddles. Bradley was really relaxed with Jermain.”

A heartrending photo of what may be the pair’s last embrace revealed the true extent of the bond forged between the football hero and the little boy in superhero pyjamas.

Former Sunderland striker Jermain first met Bradley when he became a team mascot last season.

He was also a mascot for England at Wembley when his mate scored during a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in his comeback game.

Bradley has endured gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and intensive care treatments but his great courage in smiling through the pain has moved football fans everywhere.

Supporters from several different clubs sang his name and held banners at matches.

And an appeal to send him Christmas cards ended with him receiving 315,000 through the post.

Since then Bradley has helped to raise awareness of neuroblastoma – and a new video was posted on his Facebook site this week.

At the same time Jermain, who has just signed for Bournemouth, used his farewell Sunderland message on Twitter to pay tribute to his young pal.

He told fans: “I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I have ever come across.

“The highlights of my time have got to be walking out with Bradley against