Defoe Hails Everton's 'Amazing' Fight Against Cancer

Jermain Defoe has saluted Everton Football Club after an emotional evening at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday helped raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Former Sunderland and West Ham striker Defoe was a guest at Monday's match against The Hammers. He joined the parents of Bradley Lowery, Gemma and Carl, as Everton reaffirmed its support for The Bradley Lowery Foundation’s Cancer Has No Colours campaign to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Bradley was the inspirational youngster who forged a special bond with Defoe as he bravely battled cancer as a six-year-old.

Bradley's image was shown on the stadium screens after six minutes prompting sustained applause from the 51,000 spectators.

The moment reduced Bradley's mum, Gemma, to tears.

"It was very emotional and I had a few tears," she said. "It's always overwhelming when you see people supporting Bradley like that. It was incredible."

Defoe, who forged a special bond with little Bradley before his tragic passing in 2017, said: "It was a very emotional moment. We didn't actually know it was going to be shown during the game, but this club has been amazing since day one. To be there was really humbling.

"It means the world that Bradley is still remembered by the football community. Honestly, words can't even describe what it feels like. Everton have been amazing and it would be wonderful if every club could do what they have done and follow in Everton's footsteps.

"From day one they always supported Bradley. It was 2017 when Bradley actually came to a game here and Romelu Lukaku carried him out, and years later the club is still doing it. It means so much."

Everton welcomed two very special mascots for Monday night's match as the Club showed its full support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Brave young Evertonians Mason, 11, and five-year-old Holly, who are both battling cancer, led the Blues out.

Mason said: "I was screaming when I found out I was going to be the mascot." While Mason's mum, Sarah, added: "It was his dream to do this. I don't think he could quite believe it until we got here. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing. Words can't describe it after what he's been through.

"The fact that Everton reached out and made his dream come true is just amazing.

"When he was in hospital we had a shirt sent to him signed by all the players and that just brightened his day. That's what he needed when he was in hospital. He just needed something to brighten his day.

"It also made things a little bit easier for us. Mason is such a trooper, he really is and we're just incredibly proud of him.

"The fact that the Lowery family are here, and Jermain is here is wonderful. Everton feels like a family and because Mason is here with people that have been in a similar situation to him helps massively."

Bradley's mum, Gemma, continued: "It's about making memories because memories last a lifetime and I'm so pleased that Mason and Holly got to enjoy this experience and listen to that atmosphere. They will always remember that. September was cancer awareness month and I don't feel like it's celebrated enough in terms of raising awareness. We definitely need to get better at that and Everton tonight has just smashed it."

Both Gemma and Defoe plan to return when Sunderland visit Hill Dickinson Stadium later this season.

"The stadium is amazing," added Defoe. "I'll definitely be back for the Sunderland match. When we pulled up outside it was incredible. For years Everton has been a sleeping giant, a club with great history. It definitely deserves a stadium like this."

Supporters can find out more or donate to The Bradley Lowery Foundation at justgiving.com/thebradleyloweryfoundation.

Every day in the UK, 10 children and young people will receive the devastating news that they have cancer. To learn more about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and how fundraising and donations can help in the fight against childhood cancer, visit childrenwithcancer.org.uk.