Bradley Lowery has lost his battle with cancer aged six

Six-year-old Bradley Lowery, whose fight with cancer touched thousands of people around the world has died.

The schoolboy, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, died on Friday, his family have confirmed.

A statement on his Facebook page said: "My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family.

"He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed elsewhere.

"There are no words to describe how heartbroken we are. Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words.

"Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels."

Bradley was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma – a rare and aggressive type of childhood cancer, when he was just two after parents Carl and Gemma were initially told he had a cold.

He was given a 50% chance of survival but beat the odds and in December 2015, was given the all clear.

But in July 2016 they were devastated to be told the cancer had returned. Seven months later they were told Bradley’s cancer was terminal.

Bradley’s plight was taken to the hearts of football fans across the UK.

In September 2016 the youngster was invited to be a mascot for his beloved Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light.

He struck up a remarkable friendship with the striker Jermain Defoe. The star often visited him in hospital and he has talked many times about the special bond they shared.

In March this year, Bradley appeared as mascot with the England team, walking out with ‘best mate’ Defoe who had been recalled back to the national side.

The pair shared an emotional hug before leading the team out onto Wembley.

Defoe was there when Bradley picked up a child of courage award in May and he was a special guest at a huge party to celebrate Bradley turning six.

Earlier this month Defoe visited Bradley at home to say his final goodbye and he broke down in tears when asked about the youngsters as he was officially unveiled as a Bournemouth player on Thursday.

Speaking to ITV News Tyne Tees back in February, mum Gemma said Bradley was determined to reach his sixth birthday and hundreds of people helped him celebrate in style at a marquee in the cricket club at his Blackhall village.

In the last 12 months of his life, Bradley won the affections of people all over the world with his positive attitude to his illness. Though often in pain, he seemed to smile his way through months of treatment for neuroblastoma.

Last Christmas a simple appeal for Christmas cards was answered by more than 300,000 people from across the globe.

But behind his brave smile, Bradley's illness progressed with heartbreaking cruelty.

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive cancer, but it is rare and it was once relatively unknown.

Bradley made the disease headline news and for those dedicated to finding a cure, he brought hope and support.

His family will shortly open The Bradley Lowery Foundation - a charity Gemma hopes will help others, offering advice and support.

Hartlepool singing sisters Liv’n’G recorded Smile For Bradley to raise money for the foundation, which entered the midweek charts at number four.

To the world, Bradley was a young hero, a brave boy, but to his family and school friends, he was simply a brother and a son. Their little one.

A boy whose legacy is love, courage and hope.