Family of Southampton FC fan pay tribute to CJ Fenna at funeral

Little CJ Fenna's coffin arrived at St Mary’s Church in Sholing on a horse-drawn carriage with the emblem of Southampton FC for his Saints-themed funeral.

The youngster died from an extremely rare brain tumour on April 11 with a "smile on his face" after a 19-month-old battle with cancer.

Gathered mourners fell silent as the cortege made their way to the entrance of the church followed by the limousine filled with floral tributes on Friday morning.

CJ's funeral comes after fans at St Mary’s Stadium paid tribute to him during the game against Stoke City with applause in the seventh minute, with a further tribute at halftime.

Fans pay tribute to Saints fan CJ Fenna during Stoke match at St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

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

In a tribute included in the funeral service, staff at Sholing Junior School said: "As a capacity stadium, St Mary's applauded him from the seventh minute, with no exception, we heard that CJ was and still is a shining light in the world."

They added: "CJ's approach to life is nothing short of inspirational. He has taught us all so many lessons in terms of his positivity, resilience and kindness and we are all better for having been in his company."

Staff at Sholing Infant School added: "What a star CJ was - we know you'll keep shining."

Mourners entered the church to the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran before an opening prayer by Revd Garry Roberts, followed by family tributes from his mum and siblings.

Moving pictures screened during his funeral showed his young classmates visiting while he was in a hospice.

Speaking to the Echo ahead of the funeral, his heartbroken mum Johanna Lamb said the Saints-themed funeral is what her son deserves.

She said: “We are heartbroken and devastated to be having to lay CJ to rest. We are so proud of the courageous battle CJ fought.

“While having treatment CJ showed strength and resilience. CJ touched the hearts of everyone who met him. This is CJ's day.

“We hope we will have achieved the send-off he truly deserves.”

His mum added her thanks to Southampton FC and the neurology and oncology teams at Southampton General Hospital.

The casket carrying CJ Fenna arrived at St Mary’s Church in Sholing (Image: Newsquest, Jose Ramos)The casket carrying CJ Fenna arrived at St Mary’s Church in Sholing (Image: Newsquest, Jose Ramos)Dozens at St Mary’s Church in Sholing for CJ's funeral (Image: Newsquest, Jose Ramos)

READ MORE: Saints fan, seven, dies from rare brain tumour as club set to pay tribute today

CJ was unwell at the end of 2021 and after a series of tests they found, in 2022, that he had brain swelling and tumorous fluid in his spine.

He was diagnosed with having a diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumour.

CJ's tumour was removed during major surgery, but the tumorous fluids remained in his brain and there was no cure.

CJ, right, received a signed Saints shirt during his chemotherapy treatment (Image: UGC)

During treatment, CJ was given a signed Saints shirt and James Ward-Prowse, his favourite Saints player, sent him a video message.

After he began having seizures, in February this year he was moved to Naomi House hospice.

Throughout this period a fundraiser was launched to support the family financially and raised £3,792.

CJ died aged seven on April 11 (Image: UGC)

After a 19-month battle, CJ died peacefully on April 11 with a “smile on his face”.

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