Bradley Lowery, aged five, who is terminally ill with cancer, stands on the pitch before the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA

Bradley Lowery, a five-year-old boy with terminal cancer, received 28,000 cards and 75 parcels on Thursday alone following an appeal by football fans.

Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery in County Durham, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013.

On Wednesday night he led his beloved Sunderland team out ahead of their match against Chelsea.

Cheered on by thousands of fans at the Stadium of Light he scored a sensational goal against Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, ahead of the team's clash with the Black Cat's on Wednesday.

A Christmas card campaign started by an Everton fan has seen the youngster receive thousands of cards from around the world as football fans united behind him in support.

"They have come in from Australia, New Zealand and all over the UK," said mum Gemma.

His parents say his wish is to get as many Christmas cards as possible.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Bradley Lowery, aged five, who is terminally ill with cancer, meets Sunderland's Jermain Defoe before the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA PA Bradley Lowery, aged five, who is terminally ill with cancer, meets Sunderland's Jermain Defoe before the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA PA Bradley Lowery is carried onto the pitch by Sunderland's Jermian Defoe during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Bradley Lowery, aged five, who is terminally ill with cancer, meets Sunderland's Jermain Defoe before the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA

A message on the Facebook page set up to help him read: "Can I just say up to now the response has been immense and we cant thank everyone enough for your kind words.

"We look forward to reading your kind words with Brad and the gifts and money he has received is fantastic.

"We want to say a huge thank you to you all for helping make Bradley's Christmas the most memorable ever."

#SAFC fan Bradley Lowery, who is terminally ill, receives 11,000 Christmas cards after @Everton fan starts campaign pic.twitter.com/J5C2NSrDc8 — BBC Look North NE&C (@BBCLN) December 13, 2016

After two-years of chemotherapy, Bradley was effectively free of cancer and for 18 months was a "normal boy enjoying his life".

More than £700,000 was raised for Bradley to have antibody treatment in New York, with Everton pledging £200,000.

But the cancer returned in June. Last week, Gemma revealed treatment would only give him more time.

Expand Close Five year old Sunderland fan and cancer patient Bradley Lowery (L) warms up with Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa ahead of the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on December 14, 2016. AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Five year old Sunderland fan and cancer patient Bradley Lowery (L) warms up with Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa ahead of the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, north-east England on December 14, 2016. AFP/Getty Images

Gemma also revealed that the latest treatment will mean he won’t be able to mix with people over the coming weeks to protect his low immune system.

How to send a card to Bradley

Another message on the Facebook page said campaign managers are asking for all cards to be sent to 5 Attlee Avenue, Blackhall Rocks, Hartlepool TS27 4BY. "

Expand Close Bradley Lowery's shirt number is displayed during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Bradley Lowery's shirt number is displayed during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. PA

Belfast Telegraph