The story of JERMAIN DEFOE is worth reading: "I remember during my second season at Sunderland, Louise Wanless, the press officer, told me one day: 'There’s a boy who wants to meet you.' She explained that Bradley Lowery had neuroblastoma and that I was his favorite player. I was like, 'Alright, of course. No worries.' But I had no idea what he would be like. From her description, I assumed he’d be super shy and quiet. But as soon as he walked into the dressing room, he ran straight to me, jumped on my lap, and hugged me with a big smile on his face. After that first meeting, I asked Louise to put me in touch with the family so I could visit him at the hospital. At first, I went with other players, but then I started going alone. I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. We had this natural connection, this bond. I still don’t know how to explain it. I got so used to having him at Sunderland that I really struggled after he was gone. He taught me to appreciate life and the people around me so much more. He changed me, my whole perspective."
