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Jermain Defoe gives backing to 'special' charity match in honour of 'best friend' Bradley Lowery

Related Topics: Jermain Defoe, Tony Bellew

Bournemouth and England striker has given his support to the upcoming Bradley Lowery celebrity charity match which will be held at Goodison Park on September 3.

Defoe forged a close friendship with the late youngster and his family after meeting the Sunderland fan when he was the mascot for the Black Cats in a game against Everton last season.

Defoe's relationship with Bradley captured the hearts of football fans across the globe, with the pair leading out the Three Lions for the clash with Lithuania at Wembley in March.

Jermain Defoe speaks to the media during a press conference on Tuesday morning
Jermain Defoe speaks to the media during a press conference on Tuesday morning
The Englishman forged a close relationship with terminally ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery
The Englishman forged a close relationship with terminally ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery

The six-year-old tragically lost his battle with neuroblastoma in July, with Defoe left devastated.