The mum of a boy who died aged six after a brave cancer battle has introduced her new baby girl to her late brother's footballing hero.
Gemma Lowery, the mum of Bradley Lowery, posted a picture showing Sunderland player Jermaine Defoe meeting her baby Gracie-Mae for the first time.
The sporting star first met Bradley when the youngster acted as a mascot at the Stadium of Light for his beloved Black Cats.
The pair built a firm friendship before Bradley was lost to terminal childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East
Defoe visited Bradley in hospital on several occasions during the youngster's illness and when he passed away, he made a touching tribute and got a tattoo to honour his memory.
Owing to their friendship, on Friday, the heart-broken mum from Blackhall Colliery posted: "It was good to catch up with Jermain and he got the chance to meet Gracie for the first time.
"Gracie was just like her big brother and chilled whilst having lovely cuddles."
More than 7000 people have liked the post so far, which shows the footballer smiling down at the 3-month old.
After her son's death mum Gemma set up the Bradley Lowery Foundation which has raised millions to help dozens of other poorly kids get pioneering treatment and medical equipment.
The Lowery family had been fundraising for Bradley's treatment since his diagnosis at the age of 18 months, and hoped to take him for pioneering antibody treatment in the US and raised £1.3 million.
Sadly he died in 2017 before they could take him to the US so the family decided to plough the money into helping others.
The family faced more devastating news in January, as Gemma lost her dad to cancer, who was her "hero and rock".
In an emotional tribute, Gemma said the family are taking comfort knowing he's no longer in pain and has been reunited with little Bradley.
It comes shortly after they spent their very first christmas with their new daughter, who was born in November.
Gemma admitted the festive period was "bittersweet" as it was her last one with her "amazing" dad.
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
