JERMAIN DEFOE has shared a heartfelt message to mark Bradley Lowery’s eighth birthday.
The Rangers striker formed a special relationship with Bradley during his time at Sunderland and in doing so the pair helped to raise awareness of neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.
Posting on Twitter, on what would have been Bradley’s eight birthday, Defoe tweeted: “Me and @gemlowery know you’re having the best party up there today mate.
“We miss you every day.”
The post was accompanied with a picture of Defoe and Lowery at a previous birthday party.
The Gers striker’s post has racked up nearly 600 retweets and nearly 11,000 favourites.
The Sunderland-mad youngster struck up a remarkable friendship with Defoe after being invited to be a mascot for the Black Cats.
Bradley then walked out at the home of English football, Wembley, with his hero when the striker was recalled by England.
They remained close until the six-year-old schoolboy passed away in July 2017 from the rare form of cancer.
Their relationship touched the hearts of football fans across the world and former England star Jermain, 36, later dedicated his OBE for charity work to the youngster.
Speaking about her son’s birthday, Bradley’s mum Gemma said: “On special occasions, like Bradley’s birthday, my grief is overwhelming; it feels like the day I lost him all over again.
“What I’ve learned now, is that it’s OK to cry, scream or shout; it’s OK to have bad days, as long as I don’t get stuck there.
“I know it will be one of those bad days, when my baby would have been turning eight, but I’m surrounding myself with my friends and family who always get me through it.
“I try to remember the good times, but also to think about all the fantastic things we’re doing in Bradley’s memory, to help poorly children and their families across the UK.”
We previously told you how Defoe revealed a text from Gemma Lowery after he signed for the Light Blues.
The Rangers striker formed a special relationship with Bradley during his time at Sunderland and in doing so the pair helped to raise awareness of neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.
Posting on Twitter, on what would have been Bradley’s eight birthday, Defoe tweeted: “Me and @gemlowery know you’re having the best party up there today mate.
“We miss you every day.”
The post was accompanied with a picture of Defoe and Lowery at a previous birthday party.
The Gers striker’s post has racked up nearly 600 retweets and nearly 11,000 favourites.
The Sunderland-mad youngster struck up a remarkable friendship with Defoe after being invited to be a mascot for the Black Cats.
Bradley then walked out at the home of English football, Wembley, with his hero when the striker was recalled by England.
They remained close until the six-year-old schoolboy passed away in July 2017 from the rare form of cancer.
Their relationship touched the hearts of football fans across the world and former England star Jermain, 36, later dedicated his OBE for charity work to the youngster.
Speaking about her son’s birthday, Bradley’s mum Gemma said: “On special occasions, like Bradley’s birthday, my grief is overwhelming; it feels like the day I lost him all over again.
“What I’ve learned now, is that it’s OK to cry, scream or shout; it’s OK to have bad days, as long as I don’t get stuck there.
“I know it will be one of those bad days, when my baby would have been turning eight, but I’m surrounding myself with my friends and family who always get me through it.
“I try to remember the good times, but also to think about all the fantastic things we’re doing in Bradley’s memory, to help poorly children and their families across the UK.”
We previously told you how Defoe revealed a text from Gemma Lowery after he signed for the Light Blues.