West Ham goalkeeper dies after cancer battle

West Ham academy goalkeeper described as “friendly and happy” has tragically passed away following a battle with cancer.

The 15-year-old Oscar Fairs, from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm (2.8in) ependymoma brain tumor in August 2023.

Despite undergoing seven surgeries, as well as rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, doctors later informed the family that palliative care was the only option.

West Ham’s sporting director, Mark Noble, expressed his sorrow, stating, “He 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.”

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Tributes have poured in from the football community, with messages shared on social media by clubs and players, including Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher.

To support the family, a fundraising page was created with a goal of £100,000 for a potential treatment trial in France. Contributions included £27,000 from West Ham players, £10,000 from chairman David Sullivan, and £5,000 from Arsenal’s Declan Rice, a former West Ham player.

Remembering the young talent, Noble added, “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 team-mates all loved him. 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 mark of respect, all academy fixtures scheduled for the weekend have been postponed.

(BBC)