FOOTBALL MOURNS DEATH OF BRADLEY

TRIBUTES have been paid to Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, who has died aged six following a battle with cancer. Bradley’s fight against neuroblastoma — the rare form of cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2013 — touched the hearts of millions the world over and united footballing rivals. He developed a friendship with his favourite player, Jermain Defoe, and the England striker broke down in tears on Thursday when asked about their relationship during his unveiling as a Bournemouth player. He said: ‘There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about Bradley.’ Confirming the news of his death yesterday afternoon, his mum Gemma wrote: ‘My brave boy went with the angels today. He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed elsewhere. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are.’ Sunderland paid tribute, saying: ‘Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms. ‘Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years. He was truly an inspiration.’ Bradley was mascot at the Stadium of Light on several occasions and also led out England alongside Defoe. He appeared at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and was named as the 41st runner in the Grand National, as well as winning Match of the Day’s Goal of the Month in December.