Super-hero cancer kid in Britain loses his final battle

Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-08 03:03:52|Editor: yan
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LONDON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The six-year-old boy who won the hearts of Britain as he bravely battled terminal cancer died Friday.

Chirpy, smiling Bradley Lowery was given VIP treatment at Premier League stadiums across England by fans who admired the way he stoically faced tough cancer treatment.

Such was the admiration for Bradley he led out the England team at the famous Wembley stadium in London for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

In December he was led out onto the pitch at the start of a premier league match between Sunderland and Chelsea, cheered by fans of both sides when he scored a penalty goal. His goal won the the coveted goal of the month award.

As a fan of the north East England club Sunderland, Bradley became the club's mascot and struck up a friendship with his all-time hero Jermain Defoe.

The former Sunderland player travelled to Bradley's home in Durham just a few days ago for what would be his final visit.

Bradley's parents posted a photo of their son, sleeping as he was cradled in the arms of Defoe.

During the visit, Defoe said: "Away from football the relationship I've managed to develop with Bradley and what I've brought to his life and what he's brought to mine has been really special," he said. It's just been sad to see him go through what he has been and he's only six. But I still feel blessed that I'm able to be in his life."

The young fan was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer, when he was just 18 months old.

Bradley's parents broke the news of his death on their social media site, saying their brave boy "went with the angels today".

They said: "He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where. There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are."

Tributes have poured in from across the world, led by Sunderland FC who said: "Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club."

Bradley won a world wide following last Christmas when an appeal was launched for him to receive as many Christmas cards as possible.

Within days 250,000 Christmas cards arrived at his home, with volunteers helping to open all if the cards and parcels he received from well-wishers on every continent.

Money raised in the hope of finding a treatment for the boy will go to the Bradley Lowery Foundation which aims to help other youngsters diagnosed with the disease.

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