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Oscar Fairs: West Ham goalkeeper dies, aged 15, after cancer battle

The academy goalkeeper was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year



West Ham academy goalkeeper, Oscar Fairs, has passed away, aged 15, following a brave fight with cancer.

Fairs, who joined West Ham as a nine-year-old, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year and has since undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The tragic news of Fairs’ passing was confirmed on Friday by sporting director Mark Noble in a heartfelt statement, which 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."

RIP young man, you didn't deserve this

 Very sad
RIP Oscar

Absolutely horrible news.

RIP little man and  may your friends, family and love ones be in righteous hands xx

RIP Oscar

Absolutely heartbreaking. Puts football into perspective. RIP oscar .

Absolutely terrible news, so so sad  
His dad was one of my good mates growing up, not seen him in a good few years. Lovely family. 
I honestly don’t know how you’re supposed to deal with something like this. 
really is not fair how a young kid with a bright future gets taken so so young. 
rip. 

 

Tragic and horrible news, must have been a nightmare for both the boy and his family.

RIP young fella.

Heartbreaking news.
RIP young man.

Beyond tragic, anymore words sound futile right now,the kid was one of us.


RIP.


 

Devastating news. Fly high mate. 

As someone who lost a daughter (aged 30) to brain cancer, the family have my profound sympathies. Surviving you own child is a devastation you never really get over. Cancer is an absolute cսnt, but when it effects children the grief is unbearable.

Very sad, sounds like he was a lovely kid as well. 

Heartbreaking.

Too sad for words.

May his parents and brother find the strength to deal with  this loss.

Tragic.

RIP kiddo.

So young! This is so sad. RIP Oscar.

horrible news, condolences to his family

Fucking hell, this is sad. Poor lad.

My mum somehow survived this when I was a kid and in the last few years lost a close mate to it, it's fucking brutal. I was really cut up about my mate for a long time, I can't even imagine how awful this must be for his parents. I hope they have the strength to turn the pain into something positive in time.

What a sad world it is. 

This is, indeed, very sad news.

Cancer is one of the most unwelcome guests anywhere in the world.

RIP, young man, RIP.

Rest in Peace x

Tragic, poor lad RIP.

Very sad news.

RIP Oscar.

Very sad news, may he rest in peace and rise in glory.

(Noble's tribute is class)

Very sad.  RIP Hammer

RIP young man