Stadium turned into shrine for little lad with an infectious smile
arms for a huge embrace with his favourite player and from that moment on they had a brilliant friendship.”
The petition went on to say how Jermain kept up his interest in Bradley.
“Footballers in our days are often labelled this and that, but Jermain went above and beyond any expectation that there was of him when it came to Bradley,” it said.
The petition says Jermain had been a rock for Bradley and broke down and cried during an interview, saying Bradley would be in his heart forever.
It says: “So I hereby would like 2017 BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Award to be given to Jermain Defoe for exceeding any expectation that there was of him when it came to Bradley and for supporting this young lad and his family during this tough time and providing the youngster and his family with memories that will never fade away for them or for Jermain himself.” EACH message was full of love.
They came in their hundreds to remember little Bradley Lowery this weekend.
The Stadium of Light in Sunderland has become the focal point for tributes to the six-year-old, who died on Friday following his battle with neuroblastoma.
Football shirts, teddy bears, candles, scarves, balloons and letters were pinned to railings, and left around the entrance to the Black Cats’ home.
Newcastle shirts were placed alongside Sunderland shirts as young and old came to pay their respects.
Touching notes referred to Bradley’s beautiful smile and his incredible bravery.
Tributes have flooded in for the schoolboy who touched the hearts of the nation. But it has been in the North East where football fans have poured out their grief after losing one of their own.
One fan said: You brightened up our darkest season, your smile was infectious.”
While another wrote: “You touched so many lives with your beautiful smile.”