Bradley Lowery to be honoured at BBC Sports Personality of the Year after tot’s cancer battle captured nation’s hearts
The tot will be recognised for his brave fight against rare cancer neuroblastoma
BRADLEY Lowery is to be honoured at this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards for his "outstanding achievement in the face of adversity."
The Sunderland fan who died in July, aged six, after a battle with rare cancer neuroblastoma, inspired the country with his bravery during his treatment.
England striker Jermaine Defoe befriended the tot and called him his "best mate".
After winning an award for "ethical and sporting values", he spoke of his pride and gratitude for being able to get to know the young lad.
In June 2017, Defoe penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking on to the pitch with the brave youngster.
Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
Bradley's parents will receive the Helen Rollason Award at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Sunday.
Mum Gemma, an NHS health trainer, runs The Bradley Lowery Foundation trying to fight against neuroblastoma and similar diseases. It aims to help other people with terminal illnesses.
She said: “We’re hoping to support, advise and encourage families on their fundraising campaigns to reach their target and get their child medical treatment and equipment.”
Many were outraged that Jermaine Defoe didn't receive an award because of his care and compassion towards Bradley.
But the football star said he was grateful for what people were saying, but that was it.
He said: "If Bradley’s family were happy with what I did that’s enough for me.
"God sees everything. Look, if I won the Sports Personality of the Year and I’m standing there with a trophy, it’s not going to bring Bradley back."
When the cancer first emerged, Bradley developed a tumour so large it was putting pressure on some of his major organs and arteries.
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It eventually spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow but, after major surgery and high doses of chemotherapy, he managed to pull through and went into remission.
But sadly the cancer returned in July 2016, and in December 2016, his family were told it was terminal.
Tributes and messages flooded in from the football world and beyond when the sad news of his poassing was announced in July.
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