Sunderland AFC lead outpouring of support for Bradley Lowery after heartbroken family reveal cancer-stricken boy is battling new tumour
THOUSANDS of messages of support have been pouring to football mascot Bradley Lowery urging him to keep fighting after his parents revealed he is battling a new tumour.
Leading them, Sunderland AFC tweeted to say: “Such sad news. Stay strong little man.”
On Wednesday, Bradley Lowery's family announced that the five-year-old's cancer - neuroblastoma - spread to his spine.
The message on Bradley's campaign page read: "Unfortunately the results are not what we wanted to hear."
Following the devastating announcement, Bradley is set to be a mascot for Sunderland's game against "his second best team" Everton on Saturday, his family said.
He has also been invited by the FA to be England's mascot for their World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Supporters of brave Bradley flocked to Twitter to wish him well.
SAFC fansite Roker Report tweeted: “Keep fighting kidda.”
Ex-footballer for Sunderland Michael Gray wrote: Keep fighting, we are with you all the way..."
Brave Bradley captured the hearts of the nation as he battled neuroblastoma for the second time.
Parents Gemma and Carl launched a fundraising campaign for pioneering treatment in the US to extend his life after they were told he was terminally ill.
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"Bradley scans show that there has been a small reduction in some parts however there is a new tumour on the bottom of his back.
"As you can imagine we are devastated and heart broken with this news as I really wanted the new treatment to work.
"We are not sure where we go from here as it will depend on his bone marrow biopsy results.
"He is getting this done tomorrow but results won't be back for another week.
"Why is life so cruel? Why do we have to get bad news time after time?
"Why does my baby not get a break?"
Bradley's family also shared the news with his 66,000 followers on Twitter.
The tweet read: "Gutted that scans show Bradley has a new tumour growing, #devastated."
Last December dad Carl shared a heartbreaking image of him cuddling his son.
Brave Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, has won the hearts of players and fans after his on pitch appearances alongside his beloved Sunderland.
The youngster has been pictured with Black Cats stars Jermain Defoe and Vito Mannone.
He has also appeared as a mascot for Everton, who pledged £200,000 to his fundraising campaign.
Football fans across the country have united to help Bradley's fight against cancer.
Last year he was a star guest at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
He also received a whopping 28,000 Christmas cards from well wishers.
In January he won the Match of the Day Goal of the Month award.