Bradley Lowery: Mother speaks of son's cancer battle

Bradley Lowery is preparing to walk out onto the pitch at Wembley later today, fulfilling his dream of being England mascot. Earlier this week, the 5 year old was overjoyed to learn that his hero, Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has been selected for the squad and will join him in the capital. Defoe himself has tweeted about Bradley's appearance. The player has visited Bradley in the past and spoken of how the little boy, who's fighting terminal cancer, is in his prayers every night.

The mother of five-year-old Bradley Lowery, who captured hearts all over the world last year - receiving more than a quarter of a million Christmas cards from well-wishers - has praised hospital staff at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Gemma Lowery paid tribute to "nurses, consultants, doctors, domestics and play staff" as her son begins his third bout of treatment for Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer.

On his second day in hospital, his mother Gemma told followers on Twitter, "we are hoping and praying it does something."

The Football Association has invited Bradley Lowery to be a mascot when England play Lithuania in the World Cup qualifier on the 26th March.

The five-year-old football fan has accepted the chance to step out in front of thousands of England fans at Wembley Stadium.

He's no stranger to cheering crowds though, as he's already been a mascot for his favourite team Sunderland.

He was also invited to lead out the Everton team at their game with Manchester City in January this year.

Bradley, who's from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham is battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.

Earlier this week, his family received the devastating news that he has developed a new tumour.