BRADLEY Lowery's mum has said she can't wait to spend family time with her "amazing" daughter - and says her son will be the "best guardian angel" to his sister.

       Footie-mad Bradley died four years ago after losing his courageous battle against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma aged six.

       5

       Bradley Lowery's mum has given birth to a baby girl 5

       Footie-mad Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, died four years ago - pictured here with mum Gemma Credit: Rex Features

       The little lad's smile and friendship with ex-England and Sunderland footballer Jermain Defoe touched the heart of the nation.

       Now, his mum Gemma and dad Carl have announced the birth of their "beautiful" daughter Gracie-Mae who was born shortly after midnight on Saturday.

       In a moving post to the couple's Facebook page, she said: "Hi everyone just an update to welcome our beautiful little princess to the world.

       "Gracie-Mae was born 12:19am on 6th November weighing 8lb.

       "She is now doing amazing and we (are) on our way home."

       The mum shared a photograph of her husband leaving the hospital with a tiny baby carrier in his arms.

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       She added: "Myself and Carl are going to now enjoy some family time with our beautiful princess.

       "I know everyone will be eager to see her, and I’ll be sharing some pictures soon, but we want all the family to meet her first."

       Gemma also told how she "didn't have the best of labours" when Gracie-Mae was delivered via emergency C section at Sunderland Royal hospital.

       But she said she is doing "amazing now".

       'OUR BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS'

       When announcing their pregnancy in May, parents Gemma and Carl, of Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, said Bradley will be "the best guardian angel to his little brother or sister".

       The new baby will join older brother Kieran, 18.

       Bradley became friends with striker Jermaine Defoe after appearing as a mascot at a Sunderland match.

       The footballer soon became the six-year-old's "best mate" and even attended Bradley's final birthday party.

       Jermaine, who now plays for Scottish champions Rangers, says he still thinks about Bradley and keeps in touch with the family.

       In January, he said: "It’s four years since he died but there’s not a day that goes by when he’s not in my mind. Especially now with the lockdown.

       “The time that you get at home when you sit and reflect about things.

       "Of course, I think about Bradley. I still keep in contact with the family - I’m very close to them."

       5

       Bradley's parents say he will be the best guardian angel to his sister 5

       The little lad's smile touched the heart of the nation 5

       His mum Gemma and dad Carl have announced the birth of their "beautiful" daughter Gracie-Mae

       Bradley Lowery’s family accept the Helen Rollason award on BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017

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