Sunderland stars paid a surprise visit to Bradley Lowery’s school to honour the courageous six-year-old’s life.
Manager Chris Coleman, defender Brian Oviedo and goalkeeper Mika Domingues shocked pupils when they dropped in to Blackhall Colliery Primary School in Hartlepool.
The trio came baring gifts for the youngsters and visited the plaque unveiled for Bradley, earlier this month.
Chris Coleman, Brian Oviedo and Mika Domingues shocked pupils when they dropped in to Blackhall Colliery Primary School in Hartlepool
Left, Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe carries Bradley when the youngster was a mascot and right, Defoe sheds a tear during the six-year-old’s funeral
The little Sunderland fan lost his battle with neuroblastoma on July 17 this year, after winning the hearts’ of the nation with his bravery and upbeat personality.
The world of football was particularly touched by Bradley’s journey and he became ‘best friends’ with striker Jermain Defoe.
Their moving friendship led to Defoe visiting the youngster in hospital and Bradley leading out England at Wembley.
After the youngster passed away, the veteran Premier League star said: ‘He was my best friend.
‘He was genuine. He loved his football. He loved me and I loved him. There was nothing I could give him apart from just being a friend.’
During Tuesday’s visit from Coleman, Oviedo and Domingues, Bradley’s class performed a touching version of the song ‘Smile’.
Coleman, Oviedo and Domingues pose for a photo with pupils during their nativity production
Coleman addresses pupils and staff during a visit to Blackhall Primary School in Hartlepool
Sunderland fan Bradley lost his battle with neuroblastoma on July 17 this year, after winning the hearts’ of the nation with his bravery and upbeat personality
The Black Cats stars were at the school to raise awareness of SAFC’s For Bradley campaign, which is raising money to build a holiday home for sick children and their families in partnership with the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Paying tribute to Bradley’s mother Gemma, who was there on the day, Coleman said: ‘Our thoughts are always with you.
‘I never met Bradley, I wish I had – what a fantastic kid.’
He told the parents and children: ‘We’ve heard so much about the school, and of course about our friend Bradley.
The three Sunderland stars speak to pupils about classmate Bradley during their visit to the primary school
Sunderland manager Coleman signs autographs for youngsters during the visit on Tuesday
‘There’s always a warm feeling at Christmas, and for me Brian and Mika, we’re not from here, we’re from all over the world.
‘But what you are guaranteed here in the North East is there’s always an arm welcome. I’ve certainly found that out.
‘We’re here to celebrate and say hello and thank you to all of you for your kindness and your warmth.’
Nodding to Sunderland’s win against Fulham on Saturday, he joked, ‘We had a good weekend ourselves. We haven’t been able to say that a lot, but this weekend was good.’
Bradley appeared several times as a Sunderland and England mascot, uniting fans from Sunderland, Newcastle United and Everton in the process.
His heartbroken parents set up the foundation during Bradley’s cancer battle, but then registered it as a charity to continue the legacy of their son by helping other children.