Sunderland to donate proceeds from Swansea programme to Bradley Lowery's fight against cancer
Saturday 13th May 2017
Sunderland have confirmed proceeds from the programme for their encounter with Swansea will be donated to Bradley Lowery's fight against cancer.
The already-relegated Black Cats welcomed Swansea to the Stadium of Light in their final home match of the season on Saturday.
Five-year-old Bradley, who has captured the hearts of the nation with his glowing smile as he continues to fight neuroblastoma, led out the Mackems, carried in the arms of Sunderland's England striker Jermain Defoe.
Black Cats supporters united with their Welsh counterparts to cheer the youngster, with chants of "there's only one Bradley Lowery" breaking out.
'We're with you Bradley' was also beamed out on the club's big screen as well.
Bradley has appeared as a mascot for Sunderland and England this season and was given 41st place in the Grand National.
Sunderland confirmed they would pay a special tribute by donating all proceeds from the matchday programme to the youngster's fight.
It comes after Bradley's mum revealed the five-year-old's cancer has "progressed a lot".
The youngster had been experiencing pain in his legs over the past few weeks and MRI scans confirmed the disease has progressed.
Gemma revealed just last week that the little Sunderland fan was "feeling better" after travelling to London for pioneering treatment.
"He went down for an emergency MRI today and it has been confirmed that his cancer has progressed a lot and this is what is causing the pain," she wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
Lowery's family recently thanked Sunderland hitman Defoe for being such a good friend to the five-year-old during his battle with cancer.
The visit of Swansea is likely to be Defoe's final home game for the club, with him expected to depart following relegation.
“Bradley loves Jermain and the bond between them is special," Gemma told the Sunderland Echo.
"We will never forget how he has helped cheer Bradley up and put a smile on his face when nothing else could.
“The same goes for Sunderland football club, I can honestly say that they have done everything they can to support us and helped make special memories.”
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