Bradley Lowery's family heartbroken as his health deteriorates

Bradley's family say the five year old's cancer has continued to grow. Credit: PA

The family of young cancer patient Bradley Lowery say they're "heartbroken" to announce his health has deteriorated.

The five year old from County Durham has been undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma for the second time and scans have shown that his cancer has continued to grow.

In a statement, his mum says that while they have a number of treatment options to consider, they will only give them time with the youngster rather than hope of a long term future together.

Bradley's family had hoped to take the youngster to the USA for pioneering treatment and set about fundraising to make this happen.

The family's fundraising campaign was handed a huge boost when Bradley was a mascot at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland took on Everton in September 2016.

After the game the Merseyside club pledged £200,000 towards his cancer treatment.