Brave Bradley Lowery is all smiles as he begins third round of chemotherapy to treat terminal cancer
BRAVE Bradley Lowery is all smiles as he begins his first third round of pioneering cancer treatment.
The five-year-old, who has captured the hearts of the nation, has battled neuroblastoma since January 2013.
Bradley beat the cancer once but in December, his family were dealt the devastating blow that a second tumour had developed.
The aim of the latest treatment is to give him as long as possible with his loved ones.
His proud mum Gemma posted a photo of the beaming youngster on his second day of hospital treatment today.
She said: Bradley’s third round of the new treatment is well in its way. We hoping and praying it does something #bradleysfight #ourhero.
“All staff @newcastlehosps #RVI are amazing. Nurses, consultants, doctors, domestics, play staff go above and beyond for Bradley and others.”
Devastating scan results revealed last month that the five-year-old Sunderland superfan had developed a growth at the bottom of his back.
MOST READ IN NEWS
The family wrote: “In regards to treatment we have been told that the liquid part of his bone marrow is clear but we still waiting for the hard part.
“The consultant believes we should continue with another two rounds of the antibody/chemo combination as it is unclear if the new tumour grew before the treatment started or through treatment.
“Bradley is set to go back in hospital on Monday to start the third round.
“He will get rescanned again after round 4 so I am hoping and praying for better news.
“We are not ready to give up.”
Parents Gemma and Carl launched a fundraising campaign for pioneering treatment in the US to extend Bradley’s life after they were told he was terminally ill.
The family recently revealed the devastating shock at a new tumour having developed, with a message on Bradley’s campaign page reading: “Unfortunately the results are not what we wanted to hear.”
The heart-breaking message went on to say: “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 was recently pictured being carried on to the pitch by Sunderland's Jermaine Defoe as the club continued its support of his battle against cancer.
He has also appeared as a mascot for Everton, who pledged £200,000 to his fundraising campaign.
Following on from that the Football Association invited the youngster to be a mascot for the match against Lithuania on March 26.
The youngster will step out on the pitch during the World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.
The little boy has amassed a huge following, with thousands of well-wishers sending their thoughts and prayers as they follow the youngster's progress through social media.
But Bradley was recently the victim of sick trolls - with the family tackling the cruel messages head on.
Football fans across the country have united to help Bradley's fight against cancer.
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.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368