West Ham Academy Goalkeeper Oscar Fairs Dies at 15 After Cancer Battle

The young footballer, diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 2023, was remembered as a talented player and cherished teammate.

Oscar Fairs, a 15-year-old goalkeeper in West Ham United's academy, passed away following a battle with a rare ependymoma brain tumor diagnosed in August 2023.
Fairs underwent seven surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy before being transitioned to palliative care as treatment options became limited.
A GoFundMe campaign raised funds for a potential treatment trial in France, with significant contributions from West Ham players, chairman David Sullivan, and former player Declan Rice.
West Ham sporting director Mark Noble described Fairs as a talented player and a well-loved, polite young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
As a mark of respect, all West Ham Academy fixtures scheduled for the weekend have been postponed, with further tributes to Fairs planned by the club.