Young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery fell asleep cuddling Jermain Defoe as the club continue to support the cancer-stricken kid.

Bradley, 5, suffers from Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, and has been cared for by his favourite team on a number of occasions this season.

And on Thursday a group of Sunderland players, including Defoe, Sebastian Larsson, John O'Shea and Vito Mannone, stopped by to see him in hospital and offer him a hug.

Young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery 'fell asleep cuddling Jermain Defoe' in hospital

Defoe and his Sunderland team-mates came to visit the young cancer-stricken fan

'Bradley is doing well and has cheered up after having some very special visitors,' his family wrote on his Facebook page.

'Thank you to Sunderland AFC, you have been amazing for Bradley.

'Bradley had lots of fun with the boys and then fell asleep cuddling Jermaine (sic). #specialmemories #grateful'

Bradley's Twitter account then posted the picture with the caption: 'Bradley loves @IAmJermainDefoe he didn't want him to leave today and fell asleep cuddling into him #specialbond'

Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and last year more than £700,000 was raised to pay for treatment in the US, including a donation of £200,000 from Everton.

His family however were later told his cancer had unfortunately spread and that treatment would only help give the youngster more time.

Seb Larsson (left) and John O'Shea were also part of the Sunderland visit on Thursday

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone and Defoe pose for a picture with the five-year-old supporter

Bradley, who suffers from Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer, smiles for a picture with his heroes

The footballing world has come together in support of Bradley's plight, with fans and players from all clubs keen to show their support for the youngster.

The five-year-old has had the pleasure of leading out the Sunderland team at the Stadium of Light, and has struck up a strong bond with the club's star striker Defoe, as well as meeting players and managers around the league including Pep Guardiola, Romelu Lukaku and Asmir Begovic.

Last month the youngster emerged victorious in the Match of the Day goal of the month competition for December, following his pre-match strike for Sunderland against Chelsea.

The youngster has been a mascot for the club on more than one occasion this season

Bradley gets a hug from Everton striker Romelu Lukaku at Goodison park in January

Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Lukaku all show their support for the brave young fan

Bradley fended off competition from the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Jeff Hendrick to scoop the prestigious honour.

A campaign saw fans get behind the five-year-old to ensure his goal came out on top, voting his goal the finest scored in December 2016, alongside Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

In the build up to the festive period Bradley's family said the youngster was keen to receive Christmas cards from football supporters around the world.

The appeal clearly hit a chord with the football community and the youngster soon had no less than 200,000 cards arriving on his doorstep.

Lowery scored a penalty on the pitch for Sunderland ahead of their game against Chelsea