The mother of Bradley Lowery, the County Durham boy whose cancer battle has touched the world of football, has spoken of the 'huge milestone' as Bradley reaches his sixth birthday.
Gemma Lowery has spoken exclusively to ITV News Tyne Tees about how important her son's birthday is.
Bradley is terminally ill with a rare type of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.
Last week, his parents confirmed on social media that his tumour had progressed
Bradley's family are planning a special birthday party for him on Friday, with best friend Jermaine Defoe
SAFC star Jermain Defoe's birthday tweet to Bradley Lowery Credit: @IAmJermainDefoe Twitter
"Today marks a huge milestone for us. Bradley's sixth birthday is a day we have waited for, for such a long time.
Bradley has always spoke about when he is six he will be big enough to do lots more things, and today is that day.
We as a family will be celebrating in the hospital as Bradley is on antibiotics but it will be just as special, we will be having a little tea party with his ward four friends and family. Then Friday is his big party, where all his school friends will be attending. We can't wait!
Bradley has spoke every day about how he can't wait to see all his school friends again, and of course his best friend Jermain.
We will also be taking time out of hospital on Thursday night for a few hours to attend the Pride of North East awards, as Bradley has won the child of courage award, he will be there to accept on behalf of all the courageous children that have a daily battle.
Gemma Lowery, exclusive statement to ITV News Tyne Tees "He wants to be six and I don't know why, it's just something he wants to do.
Gemma Lowery, speaking to ITV News Tyne Tees Bradley received 315,000 Christmas cards after an appeal went global
