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Cancer patient Bradley Lowery cancels visit from Jermain Defoe because he didn't want hero to see him 'poorly'

Bradley Lowery holds hands with England's Jermain Defoe prior to the World Cup qualifying game between England and Lithuania at Wembley - AP
Bradley Lowery holds hands with England's Jermain Defoe prior to the World Cup qualifying game between England and Lithuania at Wembley - AP

Bradley Lowery, the football mascot who recently led England out prior to their 2-0 win over Lithuania, cancelled a visit from Jermain Defoe on Wednesday because he didn't want his hero to see him "poorly".  

The five-year-old, who has neuroblastoma, described his day watching his "best mate" Defoe make a successful return to the England squad as "amazing" and "fabulous".

Sunderland fan Bradley has struck up a close friendship with Defoe and was delighted to see his hero start the game on Sunday.

But days after the match, a message written on Bradley's Fight Twitter page said: "Brad is poorly he even cancelled a visit from his best friend as he didn't want him to see him poorly... (heartbreaking) to hear him say that."

The bond between Bradley and Defoe began when the striker paid him a visit when he was being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Since then his battle has touched the football world and included an invitation to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show as well as winning Match of the Day's goal of the month.

England's Jermain Defoe with mascot Bradley Lowery before the match - Credit: Reuters
England's Jermain Defoe with mascot Bradley Lowery before the match Credit: Reuters

Defoe admitted his long-awaited 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."

Mrs Murphy is in the process of setting up a charity with Gemma Lowery, Bradley's mother, to help other children affected by life-threatening illnesses.

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