WEST HAM youngster Oscar Fairs has passed away aged 15.
The academy goalkeeper died following a battle with cancer.
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Fairs was diagnosed with an ependymoma in August 2023.
In the eight month prior, he experienced heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness, but he was initially misdiagnosed with mental health problems and migraines.
His condition began to deteriorate, with West Ham telling his worried parents how he was struggling in training as his “right hand and leg weren’t right”.
Fairs eventually went for an MRI scan and they found a 9cm tumour on the left side of his brain, attached to his motor system, with three cysts on the outside.
Following several successful surgeries, his tumours had shrunk, but he could unfortunately not be saved.
West Ham legend Mark Noble said in a statement: “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 [his son] and his team-mates 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.”
Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one reading: “Incredibly sad news, my heart goes to out his family.”
A third wrote: “Life really is unfair sometimes. Rest in peace Oscar.”
