Jermain Defoe to join Bradley Lowery’s family at boy’s funeral
Written by News on 14/07/2017
England striker Jermain Defoe will join the family and friends of Bradley Lowery for the funeral of the six-year-old football mascot.
The youngster had enjoyed a close friendship with Defoe, who said Bradley had been his "best friend" and would continue to inspire him.
The footballer is leaving a pre-season training camp in Spain with his new club Bournemouth so he can attend the service in Blackhall, County Durham.
Bradley, who had a rare form of childhood cancer, died a week ago at his home.
Bournemouth posted a message on the club’s official Twitter feed which said: "@IAmJermainDefoe has today departed our pre-season training camp and returned to the UK for the funeral of Bradley Lowery."
Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland several times last season and was also a mascot for England at Wembley.
The funeral will take place at St Joseph Church this morning and speakers outside will allow anyone who is unable to get into the church to listen to the service.
A statement from the Twitter account @Bradleysfight said the funeral was "open to everyone who would like to come and celebrate Bradley’s life and pay their respects to show him how much he was loved".
It added: "You can wear whatever you want for the funeral but the family and friends have chosen the theme cancer has no colours.
"So they are wearing football tops, it doesn’t matter what team or colour."
(c) Sky News 2017: Jermain Defoe to join Bradley Lowery’s family at boy’s funeral
