Bradley Lowery was posthumously named the winner of this year’s Helen Rollason award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday evening.
The parents of six-year-old Bradley, who died in July after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months old, were at the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of their son.
In the months before his death, Bradley had captured the hearts of football fans up and down the country after appearing as a mascot for his beloved Sunderland. He went on to strike up a close friendship with Jermain Defoe, who visited him in hospital throughout his treatment.
Before they were invited to the stage to receive the award, the following video was played to those watching the ceremony – both in Liverpool’s Echo Arena and on BBC One.
One Bradley Lowery ❤️ #SPOTY pic.twitter.com/BzfWueECe0
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2017
Understandably, both parents were visibly emotional as they were applauded on to the stage, with dad Carl in tears.
“Bradley was only here for six short years, but the nation took him into their hearts,” said Bradley’s mum, Gemma.
“He raised so much awareness for childhood cancer. It was unbelievable and I’m so proud of him.”
Needless to say, it was an incredibly moving moment.
