CJ Fenna's mum thanks Saints supporters after touching tribute to seven-year-old fan

The mother of CJ Fenna who died after a 19-month battle with cancer has thanked Saints and supporters who paid tribute to the seven-year-old on Saturday.

Johanna Lamb, CJ's mother, said it was "beautiful" to see fans stand and clap in the seventh minute of Southampton's clash with Stoke.

A further tribute was paid to the young fan at half-time when his photo was brought up on the big screen with the words “CJ 2016-2024”.

He died on April 11 after being moved to Naomi’s House children’s hospice following a 19-month battle with the illness.

READ MORE: Saints fans pay tribute to CJ Fenna during Stoke City clash

Speaking after the game, CJ’s mother Johanna Lamb said: "I would just like to thank Southampton football club and all of Southampton fans for their support today.

"Amazing support from all.

"Our last Saints game was on boxing day. Myself and CJ both attended and CJ said I would love to be on the pitch and everyone clapping for me.

"Thanks to everyone's support for making that happen today."

Tributes to CJ Fenna during Saints V Stoke match at St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

CJ was taken to his first game when he was three years old and is due to have a Saints-themed funeral with white horses, red and white balloons and a Saints coffin.

His family will also be wearing Saints t-shirts with “CJ 7” written on the back.

Johanna added: “It’s just all going to be about his love for football really. He was just a real football fanatic.”

Just before Christmas whilst in hospital, CJ received a video from his favourite player, James Ward-Prowse.

His mum said: “Even though he left Saints he still absolutely loved him.

“He was just absolutely overwhelmed by it. He just couldn’t believe it.”

As well as his mum, CJ also leaves behind dad Christopher Fenna, 38, and siblings Reece Coin 13, Lewis Farm, 17 and Libby Fenna, 15.

A fundraiser launched to support the family financially raised £3,792.

Fans also took to social media to pay tribute to the young Saints fan with the Echo’s Facebook post about the applause getting almost 500 reactions.