LEE Clark has paid tribute to Bradley Lowery after the young Sunderland fan passed away just hours before Bury’s pre-season friendly at home to the Black Cats.

Bradley, aged six, was an inspiration to many as he battled against neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer.

Bury chairman Stewart Day donated all of the gate receipts from last night’s match to the Lowery foundation, and both sets of supporters observed a minute's applause before the match in remembrance of the young boy.

“The result was irrelevant anyway, it’s a pre-season friendly, but it has put the whole thing into perspective,” Clark said.

“Life is so important and a life should never be so short. Hopefully everyone can pull together and try to make it as easy as it possibly can be for the family. Our thoughts are with them at this moment in time.

“It was very, very tough.

"Me and the chairman talked about it, we have kids of our own.

"It was an emotional time and our heart-felt condolences go out to Bradley and his family.

“I know the football club, I know the people, I know the supporters, they’re terrific, they will all come together to try to help with the grieving process.

“I just hope in time everyone can enjoy the too short period he had and showed us what a fighter he was.

“I know our chairman has passed on all the gate receipts to the charity and the family foundation. We hope that Bury Football Club has helped in a small way.”