FOOTBALL fans up and down the country have dressed in their favourite teams' kits in honour of Bradley Lowery, as the Sunderland-mad youngster's family prepared for his funeral.
Six-year-old Bradley died last week after a battle with the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Bradley Lowery today. Rest in peace, little man. #CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/TeyVVYydxU
— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) July 14, 2017
His family suggested that those unable to make the public ceremony, being held in Blackhall Colliery this morning, could wear the colours of their favourite team to work and school, and make a £1 donation to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.
In response, hundreds took to social media using the hashtag #CancerHasNoColours, and shared pictures of themselves in their kits, representing clubs from across English football and beyond.
A fella on the bus in #Sunderland #CancerHasNoColours #bradleylowery pic.twitter.com/cmWqeNJwWz
— Alan Strand (@1973Alan) July 14, 2017
One particularly poignant image was shared by Alan Strand, 47, a warehouse operative who was travelling on the number 10 bus in Sunderland when he saw a stranger wearing a Sunderland shirt with the word "Bradley" on the back.
Allowed to wear @ftfc shirt at work in honour of @Bradleysfight #CancerHasNoColours #theresonlyonebradleylowery xx pic.twitter.com/vOEQodtI7C
— Nicola Groves (@NicciG3) July 14, 2017
"He was just a random stranger but I did get a lump in my throat, I can tell you. So sad," he said.
Among the tributes posted on Twitter were photos from fans of Sunderland's local rivals Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool - as well as many more from other parts of the UK.
Football players and clubs from across the world also posted tributes online to the youngster as his family prepared to say goodbye.
For Bradley 💙 @Bradleysfight @ICTFC #CancerHasNoColours #theresonlyonebradleylowery pic.twitter.com/7rCnqdW52O
— Angie Ogg (@angie_ogg) July 14, 2017
Manchester City and England women's footballer Jill Scott tweeted: "All thoughts will be with Bradley and his family today, Rest in Peace little man xxx"
Spanish club Villareal posted: "Forever Bradley Lowery. We'll never forget your courage. Rest in peace dear fighter."
And London's Queen's Park Rangers wrote: "Rest in peace, brave Bradley."
Our ED Team remembering #bradleylowery today. Wearing their shirts with pride. RIP #CancerHasNoColours @SunderlandEcho @ChronicleLive 💙👏 pic.twitter.com/ovM5eHdiqT
— City Hospitals (@SunderlandRoyal) July 14, 2017
Bradley's "best mate", England and Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe, was set to join the memorial service, having visited him several times in the final months of his life.
#CancerHasNoColours R.I.P bradley sleep tight beautiful pic.twitter.com/iXOfPlqcbs
— Laura Miller (@LauraMiller1991) July 14, 2017
red and white, black and white, today it does not matter.#onebradleylowery #CancerHasNoColours #RIPBradley #legend #SAFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/jDfXOPzxbn
— @b2bspringfield (@b2b_springfield) July 14, 2017
The @Virgin_TrainsEC team are wearing their football tops today to honour our brave friend Bradley Lowery #justonepound #CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/4syQ8VlwUK
— David Horne (@DavidHorne) July 14, 2017
RIP Bradley Lowery #CancerHasNoColours #bradleysfight pic.twitter.com/MQjt2MBpfY
— Helen Beckett (@HelenBeckett75) July 14, 2017
RIP #BradleyLowery, you were an incredibly brave boy.#CancerHasNoColours #CancerAwareness #FootballShirtsFriday pic.twitter.com/u3XRgGJ9wM
— Matteo Scarpellini (@Teogooner) July 14, 2017
Morning all! Football top for bradley💙R.I.P little legend 😢#CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/oSDjNFaiM7
— Bailey-rae young (@rea_bailey) July 14, 2017
Please accept our deepest condolences.#ripbradleylowery #CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/MbqfmuTzzP
— Hong Kong Blues (@mcfchongkong) July 14, 2017
We're supporting #cancerhasnocolours for Bradley Lowery and his family. Please find updated info here: https://t.co/QTobOnt8qp pic.twitter.com/BouOJwq2xh
— DurhamCountyCouncil (@DurhamCouncil) July 14, 2017
RIP big lad, the whole football world is with you & your family at this sad time... your smile will never be forgotten. #CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/Xn7gd6RPsz
— George Hoult 🐝 (@JustAnotherManc) July 14, 2017
Deep in NUFC territory at work and no one has batted an eyelid #RIPBradleyLowery #CancerHasNoColours pic.twitter.com/4dVGmzVn3r
— Kate Halshaw (@katielou1002) July 14, 2017
#CancerHasNoColours showing our colours tday fr Bradley pic.twitter.com/9Sz3npDUDo
— Kev Cressey (@kevincressey) July 14, 2017
@mattwecho Dale Care are proud to wear our football shirts for @Bradleysfight pic.twitter.com/Vp75kdO6li
— Dale Care (@Dalecarecrook) July 14, 2017
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