West Ham academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs dies aged 15 | Football

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Oscar Fairs has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer (West Ham)

West Ham’s academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs has died at the age of 15 after suffering from cancer.

Oscar was diagnosed with a 7cm ependymoma – a rare type of brain tumour – in August 2023.

In the months before his diagnosis, Oscar experienced heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness but was misdiagnosed with mental health problems and migraines.

Oscar, from Benfleet, Essex, underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy before being told that 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.

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West Ham’s players donated £27,000 and co-owner, David Sullivan, donated £10,000, while Arsenal midfielder and former West Ham captain Declan Rice gave £5,000.

But on Friday, West Ham announced that Oscar had died, while all academy matches this weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.

Oscar Fairs who is battling a brain tumour. Photo released June 21 2024. A teenage footballer is battling a brain tumour after months of being misdiagnosed with mental health conditions - and told to 'stop using his phone'. Oscar Fairs, 14, suddenly started suffering with regular panic attacks, severe headaches, voices in his head and heart palpitations. For eight months his family were told his symptoms were mental-health-related and referred him to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Oscar, who plays for West Ham's U14s team had counselling but things only got worse and mum Natalie, 40, "had enough" and demanded answers.
Oscar Fairs with his mother Natalie (Natalie Fairs/SWNS)
Oscar Fairs who is battling a brain tumour. Photo released June 21 2024. A teenage footballer is battling a brain tumour after months of being misdiagnosed with mental health conditions - and told to 'stop using his phone'. Oscar Fairs, 14, suddenly started suffering with regular panic attacks, severe headaches, voices in his head and heart palpitations. For eight months his family were told his symptoms were mental-health-related and referred him to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Oscar, who plays for West Ham's U14s team had counselling but things only got worse and mum Natalie, 40, "had enough" and demanded answers.
Oscar Fairs underwent seven surgeries after his cancer diagnosis (Natalie Fairs/SWNS)
Oscar Fairs who is battling a brain tumour. Photo released June 21 2024. A teenage footballer is battling a brain tumour after months of being misdiagnosed with mental health conditions - and told to 'stop using his phone'. Oscar Fairs, 14, suddenly started suffering with regular panic attacks, severe headaches, voices in his head and heart palpitations. For eight months his family were told his symptoms were mental-health-related and referred him to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Oscar, who plays for West Ham's U14s team had counselling but things only got worse and mum Natalie, 40, "had enough" and demanded answers.
Oscar Fairs was diagnosed with a 7cm ependymoma – a rare type of brain tumour – in August 2023 (Natalie Fairs/SWNS)

A message from West Ham’s former captain and current sporting director, Mark Noble, read: ‘On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.

‘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 – 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.

‘As a mark of respect, all scheduled Academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including this evening’s PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. In due course, the Club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.

‘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.

‘Rest in peace, brave Oscar.’

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