WEMBLEY BEST PALS
‘AMAZING’ EXPERIENCE FOR BRADLEY AS HE WATCHES HIS ‘BEST MATE’ DEFOE SCORE OPENING GOAL
Bradley Lowery described his day watching his “best mate” Jermain Defoe make a successful return to the England squad as “amazing” and “fabulous”.
The five-year-old, who has neuroblastoma, led the side out prior to their 2-0 win over Lithuania then watched as Defoe scored the opening goal midway through the first half.
Sunderland fan Bradley has struck up a close friendship with Defoe and was delighted to see his hero start the game having originally been told he was not expected to make the squad.
Lynn Murphy, the campaign manager for Bradley Lowery’s Fight, said Bradley “loved every minute of it”.
She added: “When he came off the pitch he was over the moon, and when Jermain scored that really topped the day off.
“After the match he got to spend time with Jermain for a bit longer and said ‘I’ve had an amazing day, it’s been fabulous’. Those were his words.”
Defoe admitted his longawaited return to the national team had been made extra-special by spending it with Bradley. Defoe said: “I had to keep my emotions (under control), obviously little Brad was with me. You can imagine how I felt doing that - it was special.”
Scores of readers took to the Facebook to leave comments of support for Bradley, who has childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
Lesley Ghazi wrote: “Wow, brought tears to my eyes, keep fighting Bradley.”
Yvette Boundy said: “That smile is magic.”
Linda Willis wrote: “Bradley you’re amazing hope you had a fab day at the football. You and Jermain are heroes.”
Tracey Thompson added: “Never stops smiling that boy, so brave.”
Linda Farrow wrote: “Bradley & Jermain have touched my heart.”
Julie Bee wrote: “Ah it’s just so fab a true partnership between them. Bradley you are a very brave young man.”
John Dannell added: “Just melts my heart.”
Valerie Metcalf said: “Nice touch from Joe Hart letting Defoe and Bradley lead out the team.
“Really have a good relationship!”
Pauline Johnson added: “The special bond these two have is just amazing.”
Louise Manning wrote: “Bradley a true super hero.”
And Debbie Lorraine wrote: “Over the moon for them both!”