Bradley Lowery Foundation launches cancer helpline

Gemma Lowery had described her son as her "little superhero"

The charity set up in the name of Bradley Lowery has launched a telephone support line for families of children with cancer.

Sunderland fan Bradley contracted neuroblastoma when he was 18 months old and died, aged six, in July 2017.

The freephone line will help parents and guardians in north-east England to arrange contact with a counsellor.

It will operate from 08:30 to 16:30 on Mondays to Fridays, with counsellors then available daily until 21:00.

Referrals for face-to-face meetings will also be on offer.

An avid football fan, Bradley became Sunderland's club mascot and developed a strong friendship with the club's then striker Jermain Defoe.

His battle garnered international attention and he received 250,000 Christmas cards from across the world.

Bradley's mum Gemma, of Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, said the foundation was "committed to doing everything within our power to make the lives of children and their families who are living with cancer that little bit easier".

The holiday home will provide accommodation for extended family and friends

Meanwhile, a decision on plans to build a holiday home for sick children in Scarborough by the family is set for next month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One of Bradley's last family holidays was in the North Yorkshire seaside resort.

Bradley Lowery House, on land gifted to the charity by Scarborough Borough Council off Burniston Road, would allow other sick children and their families to enjoy a break.

The plans have been lodged with the council and are now out to consultation until 21 March.

A decision is then likely to be made early next month on whether to grant planning permission.

The five-bedroom property will also include a gym and sauna along with a barbecue terrace.