BRADLEY Lowery's mum has given birth to a baby girl - and says her son will be the "best guardian angel" to his sister.

       Footie-mad Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, died four years ago after losing courageous battle against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma aged six.

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       Bradley Lowery's mum has given birth to a baby girl 4

       Footie-mad Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, died four years ago

       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 yesterday.

       The couple said "Bradley is going to be the best guardian angel to his little brother or sister" when announcing their pregnancy in May.

       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.

       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.

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       "I didn't have the best of labour but I'll not bore you all with the details. I had to have an emergency C section as her heart rate dropped and they needed her out.

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

       "I want to say a huge shout out to all the staff on the maternity unit at Sunderland Royal hospital.

       "Every single one of them from start of care when I fell pregnant to leaving tonight have been incredible.

       "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.

       "Thank you all for your support."

       'OUR BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS'

       The new baby will join older brother Kieran, 18.

       Bradley became friends with striker Jermaine 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."

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       His mum Gemma and dad Carl have announced the birth of their "beautiful" daughter Gracie-Mae 4

       The little lad's smile touched the heart of the nation We pay for your stories!

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