Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has been awarded an OBE for services to the Jermain Defoe Foundation.
Despite derby-day goals and great escapes, Defoe’s actions off the pitch cemented his legacy on Wearside and his special bond with Bradley Lowery will be forever woven into the fabric of the club.
The duo’s relationship captured the hearts of the red and white army and beyond, as the footballing and wider community rallied around the inspirational youngster.
Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18-months-old and he tragically passed away in July 2017 surrounded by his family and friends, but the memories forged will last a lifetime.
Defoe first met the youngster ahead of Sunderland’s fixture against Everton, and as the England international recalls, the connection was instant.
“I thought Bradley was so ill that he would be really quiet and subdued, but he had this energy and he ran over to me.
“A lot of the time, the kids are quite shy and you sign their autographs and they don’t really speak, but Brads was like, bang.”
He added: “He jumped on my lap and started showing me his boots – it was almost like he knew me from before – there was just this instant connection.”
From then on, the relationship blossomed.
The duo made the world their oyster as Bradley scored a penalty against Chelsea before leading England out at Wembley Stadium, where Defoe fittingly scored the opening goal and devoted it to the youngster.
Speaking about the honour, the Bournemouth forward admitted he felt a wave of mixed emotions when he found out the news.
"It's obviously mixed emotions because obviously standing here is one of the proudest moments of my life, but at the same time remembering all the hurt.
"I've got great memories of Bradley in my head, but it wasn't easy seeing someone that you love suffer like that, especially a young kid, where he didn't really understand what was going on and you have to remain positive."
He continued: "I can't wait to tell Gemma, I think she is the first person I am going to tell to be honest and I know she will be happy, she will be proud.
"It's at the top [when it comes to my achievements] because I feel like this is something completely different.
"I am proud of it to be honest, as it's important to just give back and try and help others."