Jermain Defoe visits Bradley Lowery for 'final cuddles'

Terminally ill Bradley Lowery had a visit from his close friend and football star Jermain Defoe for some "final cuddles".

The six-year-old Sunderland fan is terminally ill with the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma and his condition has deteriorated in recent weeks.

A latest update said that Bradley is now finding breathing difficult and is "very weak" but still fighting.

He asked to throw a party for friends, where they lay together on his bed hugging.

"I think it was his way of saying his goodbyes", said family friend Lynn Murphy in the update.

The update revealed that former Sunderland player Jermain Defoe visited after the party ended for what were described as "final cuddles'".

"It was so heart warming seeing how Bradley reacted," Lynn Murphy said.

"He was so happy and laid for ages getting cuddles. Bradley was really relaxed with him."

Bradley's mother announced on the official Facebook site a few days ago that her son is now very weak, and is 'deteriorating fast'.

Bradley was a mascot for Sunderland several times last season and struck up a close friendship with top scorer Defoe.

He was also a mascot for England at Wembley when his "best friend" scored in a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in his comeback game.

Bradley's family say they are in the process of setting up the Bradley Lowery Foundation and that all money raised for him will go towards the new charity.

A song recently recorded to raise funds for the Bradley Lowery Foundation made it into the top five in the charts.