Bradley Lowery's parents thanked the British public for 'helping them get out of bed' as they deal with their son's death during an emotional night at BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
The Sunderland fan died in July after a brave fight with neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer - that captured hearts around the sporting world.
During a number of appearances as mascot, Bradley struck up a close friendship with the then Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe and the pair led out England for a World Cup qualifier at Wembley in March.
His parents, Carl and Gemma, were presented with the Helen Rollason award by England manager Gareth Southgate and star striker Harry Kane at Liverpool's Echo Arena on Sunday.