Jermain Defoe has marked his return to Sunderland by sparking an amazing fundraising gesture in the name of Bradley Lowery.
The veteran striker announced today that £1 from every match day ticket for the clash with Doncaster this weekend will go to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Defoe, 39, urged Mackem fans to fill the Stadium of Light and help remember the boy who stole his heart during his last spell on Wearside.
The 57-cap England striker struck up a friendship with Bradley, who was suffering from a rare aggressive cancer during his first spell.
Bradley died aged six in 2017 leaving his mum Gemma and dad Carl devastated, and Defoe has remained in touch with them ever since. They recently had another child, Gracie-Mae, in November.
Remembering Bradley: Tell us your favourite memories of young Bradley in the comments section.
Gemma was texting Defoe urging him to come back before he finalised his deal to join the League One outfit this week.
Defoe said: “We have a massive game this weekend and we need your support – we need the Stadium of Light full and it needs to be rocking.
“What makes the game ever more special is that for every ticket sold, £1 will be donated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
“Gemma and the guys do amazing work and you all know what it means to me and my family, so make sure you get your tickets and we’ll see you on Saturday.”
Gemma Lowery has paid tribute to Defoe and Sunderland for their support this weekend and throughout the family heartbreak.
She said: “From day one, Sunderland have been incredible with Bradley and we could not be happier to have our patron, Jermain, back home.
“We cannot thank everyone involved enough for their continued support.
"This is such a kind gesture and I encourage all fans that are able to do so to attend Saturday’s game and enjoy what I’m sure will be a truly special day.”
Supporters who can’t make the Doncaster game, or from rival clubs, can donate a ticket to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
To find out more, contact contact@bradleyloweryfoundation.com or RokerReport@yahoo.co.uk, or click here to purchase.
