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Cancer-stricken boy in need of funds given honorary spot on Grand National card

Sunderland and England striker Jermain Defoe has been listed as Bradley Lowery’s trainer.

FIVE-YEAR-OLD CANCER SUFFERER Bradley Lowery will be the first honorary 41st rider of the Grand National when it gets under way in Aintree on Saturday.

The Sunderland fanatic is battling Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in young children.

Bradley’s family is currently trying to raise funds so that he can go to America to undergo specialist treatment that is unavailable in the United Kingdom.

The Sunderland and England football community have already done their best to publicise Bradley’s plight and the youngster has recently been a mascot for both sides, accompanying his idol Jermain Defoe on to the field.

Now Grand National organisers have created an honorary spot for Bradley on the racecard for the world’s most famous steeplechase, to raise awareness of his cause.

Bradley, who has inspired many with his fighting spirit and warmed countless others with his infectious smile, has been listed as number 41 in the traditional 40-horse field — his silks match the red and white of Sunderland and Defoe is listed as his trainer.

His brother Kieran is also named as his jockey while other family members have been included among his extended team.

“His age is listed (5) and his date of birth of 17th May is given in place of the weight a horse carries is normally featured (17-5),” Jockey Club Racecourses said in a statement.

“His form figures showing five wins (11111) highlight he is unbeaten at every turn and his five-star rating confirms he is very highly regarded.”

The family are hoping to raise £500,000 on their JustGiving page, which is currently at £57,304.


Bradley Lowery's Fight / Vimeo

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