Bradley Lowery led out his beloved Sunderland for their final home match of the season against Swansea, just a day after his parents announced that his cancer is spreading.
The brave five-year-old was the club's mascot for their final Premier League match at the Stadium of Light this year and also featured on the front cover of the matchday programme.
Wearing a Sunderland shirt which thanked the club and fans for their support, Bradley walked on to the pitch in the arms of England striker Defoe, with whom the five-year-old has struck up a close bond.
Defoe has visited the youngster in hospital and led him out at Wembley ahead of England's clash with Lithuania in March.