West Ham Academy Goalkeeper, 15, Passes Away Following Cancer Diagnosis

A West Ham academy goalkeeper, described as “friendly and happy,” has passed away at the age of 15 following a cancer diagnosis. Oscar Fairs, who resided in Benfleet, Essex, was identified in August 2023 as having a rare 7cm (2.8in) ependymoma brain tumour. Despite undergoing seven surgical procedures, a course of chemotherapy, and a course of radiotherapy, he was informed that palliative care represented the sole remaining choice. Mark Noble, the club’s sporting director, commented that Oscar had “such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age”. Numerous football clubs and players have offered tributes via social media, among them Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher. A fundraising page had been established with the aim of assisting the family in collecting £100,000 for a treatment trial located in France. According to information provided by the family, West Ham footballers contributed £27,000, chairman David Sullivan provided £10,000, and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice contributed £5,000. Mr. Noble stated: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.” He added: “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – [my son] Lenny and his team-mates all loved him.” Mr. Noble further conveyed: “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” As a gesture of respect, all academy matches planned for the weekend have been deferred. Updates on Essex news are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright © 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.