LIONHEARTS

Brave Bradley is Jermain’s lucky mascot as Cats star makes triumph ant return to England duty–P

Brave youngster Bradley Lowery was bursting with pride as he led the England football team on to the pitch at Wembley.

The five-year-old – whose battle with cancer has touched people across the world – was England’s mascot for their World Cup qualifier with Lithuania at Wembley yesterday.

Bradley, from Blackhall, has built a strong relationship with Sunderland AFC striker Jermain Defoe and it was with Defoe that Bradley led the team out to thunderous applause.

Bradley has been Sunderland’s mascot on a number of occasions throughout his battle with terminal neuroblastoma.

The chance to appear as a mascot at Wembley was a dream come true for the football-mad youngster – and his heroDefoeopenedthescoring in the 2-0 victory for England.

As Bradley concentrated on being the national team’s mascot, Defoe was celebrating being recalled to the England squad after four years.

In the tunnel little Bradley embraced his hero, before the pair led the England squad out onto the pitch.

Greeted by the roar of the crowds, Bradley walked out alongside Deofe.

Such was the noise of the fans gathered at the stadium, the brave youngster covered his ears with his hands as he strode on to the pitch.

Wearing his England strip, Bradley was on the pitch while the national anthems were played and even put up his thumbs up to the cameras.

Ahead of the event, his mum Gemma told BBC Radio 5 Live: “To find out Jermain is going to be there as well just totally topped the occasion

“It gives us memories for the rest of our lives” GEMMA LOWERY

off for him.

“For him to be in the dressing room when Bradley goes in is going to be absolutely fantastic for him.”

“It gives us memories we can obviously carry with us for the rest of our lives as well.”

Bradley was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013, undergoing gruelling chemotherapy and numerous operations. The initial treatment proved to be a success and the brave youngster was declared to be in remission in 2015.

But sadly the cancer returned last year and now he is undergoing pioneering antibody treatment to prolong his life.

But despite his battle little Bradley appeared to love every minute of the experience.

A thoughtful Bradley with Jermain Defoe.

Bradley gives the thumbs-up before the game and during his time on the pitch.

Bradley helps Jermain Defoe with his tracksuit.

Bradley waves to the crowds before the game.