He's the five-year-old with an infectious smile, a story that's touched the nation and the world, and he's fought his battle with such strength.
Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery has tried to fight his cancer head on. He's been the guest of honour at The Stadium Of Light, he's been a mascot for England at Wembley, and he's even had a horse named after him at this year's Grand National.
But behind the brave smile, there's the sad reality that Bradley is facing a war. He is suffering from neuroblastoma, a rare form of child cancer, and last month it was confirmed it would get the better of him.
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Neuroblastoma develops from special nerve cells, known as neuroblasts, which get left behind from child development in the womb.
The disease then spreads through various organs, and affects around 100 children a year in the UK.
In a post on his Facebook page his parents wrote: "We have just got back from the hospital with news no parent should ever have to hear.
"Scan results show treatment that Bradley has been receiving is not working, this means we will not get him cancer free as this was our last option."
His Mum later posted that losing her little boy was 'unbearable'.
Now it has emerged that Bradley may have to spend his sixth birthday in hospital after doctors confirmed new tumours have developed.
Earlier this week, his mum told his supporters his cancer had 'progressed a lot' and that the five-year-old had been suffering increasing leg pain.
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In their latest post, his parents said that there was 'no doubt there is more new tumours and the disease is progressing'.
However, there is a silver lining to the dark cloud: doctors have said that he can attend Sunderland's final home game of the season on Saturday, if he wants to. Bradley has formed a best-friend relationship with striker Jermaine Defoe, who has also been to visit him in hospital.
The family is hopeful that despite the brave lad being hospitalised for his birthday, he will be out for his party.
On Facebook, they wrote: "So today I had a meeting with Bradley's doctors who are amazing by the way and they have said that there is no doubt there is more new tumours and the disease is progressing.
"However one of the sites they thought was a large tumour 6cm by 6cm could possibly be an abscess (this is where he is getting the pain).
"The scans have been checked and double checked but there is no way to be 100 per cent unless a biopsy is done, and this is not possible at the moment.
"Therefore they have decided to treat it with high dose intense IV antibiotics for a week.
"We should know by Monday if the pain is easing either way what it is. This means Bradley is in hospital for a week and is more than likely spending his birthday in here."
Bradley, who has fought the cancer once and won, looks to be unsuccessful this time, but it won't stop him being as brave as he can.
Bradley, keep fighting, our friend. We all wish you well.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Cancer