Readers put football rivalry aside to praise Newcastle United fans for their heartwarming gesture to five-year-old cancer battler Bradley Lowery.
The St James’ Park crowd held a minute’s applause and sang “there’s only one Bradley Lowery” in the fifth minute of the Magpies’ 4-0 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday, to honour the little Sunderland superfan who is facing the fight of his life.
Bradley’s mother Gemma has told of the devastating blow when scans revealed their son’s cancer - which he has been fighting for a second time - has spread despite his treatment.
She and husband Carl were left with a stark choice but have decided to try palliative care and an antibody therapy rather than stopping any further treatment.
An avid Black Cats fan, Bradley’s brave smile has captured the hearts of rival football fans following news of his set-back this week.
And writing on our Facebook page, Sunderland supporter Craig Ord said ‘hats off’ to Newcastle for the applause, and added: “Through thick and thin the North East will always have the best fans in the world.”
Ray Easom commented: “Well done to the organisers of this great gesture and to the fans that were part of it.
“Football is more than life and death in these parts. We have the best rivalry in football and we have the best fans, nowhere else even comes close to the North East.”
Steve Burns, who was at the match, wrote: “It sent shivers up my spine. Keep fighting. Football takes a back seat at times like this.”
Rival Black Cats fan Jamie Hepburn described it as a “wonderful gesture”, and said it shows “life is bigger than football”.
The applause at St James’ Park led many others to boast at their pride of living in the region.
Annette Donohue commented: “Makes me proud to live in the North East of England.”
Kelly Rogers said: “Underneath the shirts we are all the same! United when we need to be. Keep fighting Bradley.”
And Pamela Hood summed up the mood of everyone when she wrote: “Keep fighting little man - miracles do happen let’s hope you can catch one.”
Bradley’s family, from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham, have been boosted in their dark times by messages of support with people planning to send the youngster hundreds of Christmas cards to pass on best wishes this year.
Bradley will also be a mascot at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday for Sunderland’s match against Chelsea.