Jermain Defoe will be honoured for his positivity and commitment away from the football pitch at the North East Football Writers’ Association’s annual awards night later this month.

Defoe is attending the event to receive the North East Personality of the Year trophy, a special award given in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to recognise someone who uses their position in football to benefit the wider community.

The player’s relationship with young cancer patient, Bradley Lowery, caught the hearts of the whole nation and helped raise awareness of neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer which affects less than 100 children in the UK each year.

Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18-months-old and last year his mum, Gemma, shared the devastating news that the cancer was terminal. Bradley passed away in July surrounded by his family and friends.

Throughout the last year of his life, a special friendship developed between the six-year-old and Jermain, who was in turn supported by the wider footballing community.

The North East Football Writers’ Association Awards will be held on Sunday 25th February at Ramside Hall Hotel.