The mascot later walked out at Wembley alongside his hero and “best mate” when Defoe was recalled to the England side.
The star footballer would visit Bradley in hospital, came to his sixth birthday party and has stayed close to the family who live in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham.
He attended Bradley’s funeral, which brought thousands of people onto the streets of his home village.
The footballer would cheer up his friend by visiting him in hospital (Bradley Lowery Fight Against Neuroblastoma/PA)
Defoe, now playing for Rangers, was supporting the Cancer Deadline Day campaign which urged fans to compete against supporters of other teams to raise cash for cancer charities.