A teenage West Ham academy goalkeeper has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer.
Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France.
It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.
Rest in peace, brave Oscar.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024
West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs.
On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died.
Sporting director Mark Noble said: “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.
“I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him.
“He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who 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.
“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.”
All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.
