SUNDERLAND manager David Moyes has thrown his weight behind a campaign calling for Jermain Defoe to be given an OBE for his support for cancer battler Bradley Lowery.

A petition was set up after the five-year-old mascot was carried out by his hero and “best friend” at Sunderland’s last home game of the season on Saturday.

Poignantly, is could be the last time the 34-year-old striker plays at the Stadium of Light for the Black Cats as the club’s relegation from the Premier League and a clause in his contract means he can be released.

Stacey Curtis, who works as a teacher to autistic children in the city, has launched a Change.org page, which has already been signed by more than 1,200 people.

The 26-year-old, of Sunderland, said: “I think he should get recognition for what he has done for that little boy, because he’s given him the fight in him.

“Seeing him at that last game, when he might not be playing for Sunderland next season, holding his hand and leading him out, I think he should get something.”

The Get Jermain Defoe an OBE for his Support for Bradley says: “Seeing the support and love this man has giving to cancer fighter Bradley Lowery is unreal, he is a true friend to him. This shows that it isn’t just about the money the players make, it’s about his fans and everything he has done in his own time.”

Speaking at a pre-match conference, Moyes said Defoe should “definitely” get the OBE.

He said: “Jermain has shown real compassion for a very sick young boy.

“I think it has been one of the plusses at the club this year. It hasn’t just been Jermain. The players as a whole have tried to interact with the local community.

“We tried open training session, we went to the Nissan factory, we went to meet branches of the supporters club, in London and here. Because of the situation we are in a lot of that has been forgotten.

“But we have tried to make sure we have connected with the supporters. But Jermain has connected with a really delicate situation and he has done it incredibly well.

“It is a good example, players and clubs can get involved in what is happening around them with charities and supporters. A lot of players and clubs do a lot of important things behind the scenes.”

On Saturday, a giant banner with There’s Only One Bradley Lowery was held by supporters and the match day programme was dedicated to him. He was carried from his field by his father, Carl Lowery, and his family.

Bradley, of Blackhall Colliery, East Durham, was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 19 months old and arrested the disease following gruelling treatment.

His parents, Gemma and Carl, were devastated to be told last year that it had returned and were informed before Christmas it had spread.

Speaking as Bradley prepares to celebrate his sixth birthday, Moyes said: “He has been one of the most recognisable faces of our season.

“But Bradley is only one case. There are lots of other children, boys and girls, throughout the country in similar situations. Bradley is a great kid, and he has touched everyone who has come into contact with him.

“Hopefully he has shone a light on other kids in similar position. I hope it also shows football do care. I can promise you they do care and they care about other things in life as well.”