Bradley Lowery’s fighting spirit captured the hearts of the nation and thousands were left devastated after he passed away in July.
Bradley, six, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer when he was 19 months old. He was then given the all clear in 2014 but relapsed 18 months later and sadly didn’t survive.
His proud parents Gemma and Carl appeared on This Morning alongside the youngster’s hero, Bournemouth player Jermain Defoe, who appeared via video call, to talk about keeping his legacy alive.
Speaking to hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, Gemma explained that when they were told about Bradley’s illness they were determined to fight with “everything we had”.
She said: “We knew we had to fight with everything we had. We just had to give him all [the medication] that was available at the time.”
Going on to talk about the incredible support they received from locals and people around the world Gemma continued: “It was amazing. From locals and support from the world.
“Everyone pulled together. He has given so much awareness and even though he was only here for a short time he did so much.”
Bradley’s special friendship with Jermain continued to grow throughout his battle and the footballer was left devastated following Bradley’s death.
Talking about Bradley’s passion for football Gemma added: “When he goes on the football pitch he comes alive. He absolutely loved it.
“Bradley loved Jermain and when he first met him they had an instant connection and it never left.
“Brad would be asleep but as soon as he heard his voice he would jump up.”
Jermain then appeared on the show via video call to talk about his connection with the little boy.
He told Holly and Phil: “[Our connection] was something that was special. An instant connection.
“I remember before the game his energy was amazing for a child that was unwell.
“He touched my life in a big way and it was difficult when I would see him before the game and he was in pain. I didn’t want to leave him.
“But his fight and strength went such a long way.”
He continued: “Every day I think about him and before every game.
“He used to walk out with me and I’m so used to him being beside me and every day I wake up and think about Brad. I feel so blessed I had that relationship with him and his family.”
Gemma then explained that they have set up a foundation to keep Bradley’s legacy alive forever and want to help other sick children and their families through the difficult time.
She said: “[Bradley] was always caring and wanted to look after other people.
“I wanted to continue to build that legacy so people don’t forget what he did. We want to put smiles on other children’s faces.”
Gemma and Carl kept their followers updated with Bradley’s battle and gained thousands of supporters including many famous faces.
Bradley passed away in July and heartbroken Gemma broke the news in a Facebook post at the time.
She wrote: “My brave boy has went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family.
“He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where.
“There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.
“Thank you everyone for all your support and kind words.
“Sleep tight baby boy and fly high with them angels.”
Last month Gemma opened up about struggling with grief and is missing the “sound of his giggles”.
“I miss waking up to this smile and sound of his giggles,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
“I miss his innocent little voice saying I love you mammy [sic]. I miss his soft touch when he stroked my face and I miss his tight squeeze when he cuddled me so hard.
“I miss our little conversations we had about everything and nothing and I miss the why mammy, but why mammy after every question.”