Oscar Fairs, a 15-year-old goalkeeper from the West Ham academy, has tragically passed away after being diagnosed with cancer. The young athlete, who hailed from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed in August 2023 with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumor. Despite undergoing seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, Oscar was eventually told that only palliative care was available. West Ham’s sporting director, Mark Noble, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that Oscar had a promising future ahead of him, and it is devastating that his life was cut short at such a young age.
Tributes have poured in on social media from various football clubs and players, including Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
In an effort to support Oscar’s family, a donation page was created with the goal of raising £100,000 for a treatment trial in France. The family reported generous contributions, including £27,000 from West Ham players, £10,000 from club chairman David Sullivan, and £5,000 from Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who is also a former West Ham player.
Mark Noble, the sporting director of West Ham, shared heartfelt words, saying, “Oscar was loved by everyone at the academy. He was not only an excellent goalkeeper but also a true Hammer and an incredible young person. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.” Noble also recalled fond memories of Oscar playing with his son Lenny and his teammates.
The club has extended its condolences to Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, while asking for privacy for the family during this incredibly difficult time. In honor of Oscar, all academy fixtures scheduled for the weekend have been postponed.