Months after Bradley Lowery sadly passed away after losing his battle against Neuroblastoma, his mother Gemma and best friend Jermain Defoe have spoken about their first Christmas without him.
Defoe, who continued to support the youngster as hundreds of thousands rallied together to help him and his family battle this debilitating disease, spoke about his close relationship with Bradley.
The Bournemouth striker also reminisced about times they spent together.
Advert
"It was from that moment it was that instant connection," Defoe said on ITV show Loose Women. "His energy... with brad it was completely different."
At the start of the interview, Gemma spoke about how the family have been since the passing of Bradley. "We're doing ok, considering. I focus a lot on the foundation because that's what gets me through the day." she told Loose Women.
"Christmas has always been a massive part of our family... so Christmas is difficult and as each day goes by it does get more difficult."
Former Sunderland and Tottenham striker Defoe paid tribute to his best friend on Twitter shortly after his passing and wrote an incredibly powerful and emotional letter.
Defoe's relationship with Bradley captured the hearts of a nation, as they formed an incredibly special bond over a short period.
Advert
He visited Bradley in hospital as he underwent treatment and also attended his birthday party with Sunderland teammate Vito Mannone, but he also revealed that the youngster changed him as a person.
"People talk about obviously what I bring to his life but I can honestly say how he has changed me as a person you know, going to visit him in hospital." Defoe said in an interview with Lorraine Kelly.
Bradley's legacy will live on forever and the Bradley Lowery Foundation continue to do great work in the community.
Topics: Jermain Defoe, Sunderland
