Gemma Lowery has shared a heartbreaking post as she faces her first Mother’s Day without son Bradley, who died of cancer.
The six-year-old Sunderland fan – who striker Jermain Defoe called his ‘best mate’ – died in July last year after struggling through neuroblastoma.
This morning his mother from Hartlepool, County Durham, encouraged followers to donate to her sponsored sky dive which aims to raise to buy medical equipment for sick children.
Gemma Lowery shared this heartbreaking post of what she knew would be the last bath with her son Bradley, who died of cancer last year
‘I can’t put a brave face on today, I can’t be strong today I’m heart broken and my grief is hurting me so bad,’ she wrote.
‘This is my first Mother’s Day away from my baby boy and it’s painful and I miss him so so much.
‘This pain I’m feeling right now the tears that are rolling down my cheeks is the reason I work so hard to get the other children the much needed treatment.’
Sharing a picture of their last ever bath together, she said she would always remember he ‘little superhero’ for his ‘big smile’ after he died in her arms.
Her pictures were hailed as beautiful and inspiring as supporters told her to stay strong on her first Mother’s Day without Bradley
‘This photo that I have used in this post is a hard one to see and not everyone will agree with me putting it on but this is reality,’ she wrote.
‘Bradley asked for a bath with me, I knew it would be our last ever bath. I don’t want a parent to ever have to do this.’
Bradley – who was an England mascot and was given a one-minute round of applause by the Bury and Sunderland football teams – won hearts around the world including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Jermain Defoe’s friendship with Bradley Lowery touched football fans across the country as the star accompanied him at Sunderland and England games
The photos Gemma shared today were hailed as ‘inspiring’ and ‘beautiful’ by supporters writing on social media.
Beverly Boler-Shepherd said: ‘Your photos are beautiful Gemma. I cannot imagine how you are feeling today.
‘But I know Bradley will be smiling down on you wishing you a happy Mother’s Day.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe, pictured with Bradley, described the six-year-old as his ‘best mate’
‘You are an amazing person and it’s clear to see where Bradley got his courage and strength from.’
Katrina Copson said: ‘May the memories of Bradley Lowery live on forever and ever. His smile and courageous personality affected so many people’s lives.’
The England mascot – pictured with Defoe and Joe Hart – won fans across the nation including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
When he died thousands of people across social media have used the hashtag #OneBradleyLowery in tribute to the boy.
Football legend Gary Lineker described him as a ‘warrior and an inspiration to the end’.
Former England captain and Match Of The Day pundit Alan Shearer tweeted: ‘So sorry that little @Bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut way too short. Thoughts with his amazing family & friends RIP.