Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe says it was humbling to receive an award for the support he gave to his special friend Bradley Lowery.
The footballer was honoured with the North East Personality of the Year trophy - an accolade given in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to someone who has used their position in football to benefit the wider community.
The player's relationship with six-year-old Bradley caught the hearts of the nation and helped raise awareness of neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer which affects less than 100 children in the UK each year.