- Jermain Defoe said he was ‘blessed and humbled’ after receiving an OBE
- He was recognised for services to the charitable foundation set up in his name
- Defoe developed a close friendship with the six-year-old Bradley Lowery
Footballer Jermain Defoe said he was ‘blessed and humbled’ after he was recognised for services to the charitable foundation set up in his name
Footballer Jermain Defoe said he was ‘blessed and humbled’ after he was recognised for services to the charitable foundation set up in his name.
The Premier League star, 35, captured the nation’s hearts after developing a close friendship with six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, who had neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer.
Defoe said he felt ‘mixed emotions’ over the OBE, which comes almost a year after Bradley’s death. He often walked out onto the pitch with the boy, and grew close to his family.
Defoe left Sunderland after being signed by Bournemouth last year, and has won 57 caps for England. His foundation is involved in a range of activities, such as mentoring teenagers in care.
Also honoured was Liverpool football great Kenny Dalglish, 67, who was knighted for his support for the Hillsborough families in their quest for justice, while world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, 28, received an OBE for services to sport.
Double Olympic skeleton gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold, 29, was awarded an OBE, and William Fox-Pitt, 49, who has won three medals for eventing, received an MBE.
The Premier League star, 35, captured the nation’s hearts after developing a close friendship with six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery
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