Bradley Lowery: Terminally ill Sunderland fan appears as England mascot

  • Published
Bradley LoweryImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Bradley Lowery walked out alongside his favourite Sunderland player Jermain Defoe

Terminally ill five-year-old Bradley Lowery led out the England team at Wembley for Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

The young Sunderland fan was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013, and developed a new tumour in February.

Although Joe Hart was captain, he swapped places with Jermain Defoe in the tunnel so he and Bradley could lead the teams out.

Bradley covered his ears as he walked out to loud cheers at Wembley.

Bradley was also mascot for Everton against Chelsea, but he has found a hero and "best mate" in Defoe after walking out alongside him as mascot for his beloved Sunderland against Chelsea. The 34-year-old striker has gone on to visit him in hospital.

It was an emotional day at Wembley as tributes were paid to the victims of the Westminster attack in central London on Wednesday, as well as former England manager Graham Taylor who died in January.

Image source, @England
Image caption,

England captain Joe Hart let Jermain Defoe and Bradley Lowery lead out the teams.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Bradley covered his ears as he received a loud reception from both sets of fans at Wembley.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Bradley Lowery was carried by his "hero and best mate" Jermain Defoe

Image source, AP
Image caption,

Bradley was all smiles as he lined up with the England players for the national anthems.

Image source, PA
Image caption,

Jermain Defoe went on to score after hugging his lucky mascot Bradley

Image source, @IAmJermainDefoe
Image caption,

Jermain Defoe tweeted after the game saying it was perfect to walk out with his best mate at Wembley

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.