Jermain Defoe dedicates OBE to Bradley Lowery after young Sunderland fan’s tragic death
The former striker became close to Bradley through his love for Sunderland and his appearances as a mascot - and after Defoe was awarded an OBE he dedicated it to his 'little friend'
FORMER ENGLAND striker Jermain Defoe dedicated his OBE award to his ‘little friend’ Bradley Lowery.
Defoe received the honour today at Buckingham Palace for services to his foundation that was founded in 2013.
The Jermain Defoe Foundation works to support homeless, vulnerable and abused children in his family’s home country of St Lucia.
After the 36-year-old was awarded the OBE, he paid tribute to Bradley, who died last year at age just six, due to a rare type of cancer.
The whole football world grew to know Bradley and his love for football, especially Sunderland, who Defoe played for at the time.
Defoe told Sky Sports: “It’s special, it’s just so surreal. Even in the palace I was stood there like, ‘wow is this really happening?’ Amazing, amazing feeling.
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“I’d love to dedicate this amazing day, this OBE to my little friend Bradley. Because, everyone knows the relationship I had with Bradley.
“I got this for the Jermain Defoe Foundation, but I think above all of that I think it’s the relationship I had with Bradley.
"You never expect to receive any award, so to receive something like this, of course it still hurts.
“I've got some great memories of Bradley, but to receive something like this today, it makes me feel good.”
Bradley was a regular mascot at Sunderland games and this is where he and Defoe grew a close bond.
Defoe attended Bradley’s funeral on July 14, and the ex-Premier League forward wore and England jersey on the day.
