Friendship between Bradley and Jermain is a family affair

THE bond between England striker Jermain Defoe and brave Bradley Lowery is well documented, but we can reveal that it’s a family affair.

Speaking at the Pride of the North East at Newcastle Civic Centre last night, Defoe admitted the connection is so deep even his mum gets ‘emotional’ every time he mentions brave Bradley Lowery’s name.

The Sunderland striker has forged a friendship with the six-year-old superfan which has captured the hearts of the nation.

The best mates came together at our Pride of North East Awards to collect Bradley’s prestigious Child of Courage award.

And before taking to the stage, Jermain revealed the duo’s blossoming friendship has also touched the heart of his mother Sandra.

He said: “When I mention Brad’s name she gets emotional because she’s a mum too.

“It must be difficult for parents, my mum even wanted to come tonight.

“It’s a nice bond we’ve got, and I’ve always said in life when things happen especially like this, it sticks with you for the rest of your life.

“I always believe that some people come into your life for a reason, and I definitely believe that in this case.”

Brave Bradley celebrated his sixth birthday in hospital on Wednesday, and the cancer battler enjoyed a chorus of ‘happy birthday’ at last night’s awards ceremony.

The courageous lad from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham has battled childhood cancer neuroblastoma since the age of just 18 months.

Speaking about her son’s friendship with Defoe, Bradley’s mum Gemma Lowery said: “It’s amazing, Jermain is obviously his idol and he absolutely loves him.

“The first time we met him, just the joy and the happiness in his face was unbelievable and obviously the whole world has seen that.

“Every time he sees him it just puts a smile on Bradley’s face, he talks about him all the time, and when he comes to the hospital it makes his day and it’s just fantastic.

“One time Jermain was going to come to the hospital and Bradley was quite poorly and he was like ‘mammy, I don’t want Jermain to see me like this’ and we had to cancel it because he didn’t want his best mate seeing him so poorly.

“It’s heartbreaking and just fantastic at the same time he feels that way towards him.”