Jermain Defoe: Bradley is in my prayers every night

Bradley Lowery cuddles up to his Sunderland hero Jermain Defoe Credit: Bradley Lowery

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has told how he prays for battling youngster Bradley Lowery every night after he made an emotional visit to hospital.

Defoe and his Sunderland teammates visited five-year-old Bradley at Newcastle's Royal Victory Infirmary, where he is having pioneering treatment for neuroblastoma.Speaking of the visit Defoe said it was an 'unbelievable feeling' that 'fills you with tears.'

He called Bradley an 'amazing young man' and said he can't wait to see him again.

Bradley Lowery with Jermain Defoe ahead of a match at the Stadium of Light Credit: PA

He said: "As soon as I walked into the room, he jumped up and grabbed me and said: 'get in the bed!' He got the covers on me, he said to his mum: 'could you turn the lights off?' He just wanted a cuddle and to go to sleep.

Bradley was visited by SAFC players in hospital Credit: Bradley Lowery