A 13-year-old who aspires to be a West Ham United goalkeeper had been hit with the devastating news that he has a brain tumour.
Oscar Ray Fairs, 13, has been on the books at West Ham since he was a boy and is hoping to forge a career as a professional player.
However, last month he was told he has a 7cm tumour with three fluid cysts on his brain.
The teen was admitted to Great Ormand Street Hospital and surgeons were able to remove 99 per cent of the tumour.
The remaining one per cent is attached to his motor nervous system and if it is removed he could be left unable to use his right arm and leg.
Oscar and his family are now waiting to find out the rest of his treatment plan once the results of the biopsy returns next week.
His mum, Natalie Fairs, said: “We were shocked.
“Oscar has been suffering with physical and mental issues since January, but it got worse and worse.
“In a nutshell, he started off by having a random panic attack which he had never had before. Weeks later he said he had pins and needles in his arms. He then started suffering really bad mentally it was the scariest thing I have ever seen.
“It then got worse physically as he began getting really bad headaches, which we were told several times were migraines. But then he began unable to use his right arm or leg, and at this point, I had enough, my baby was getting worse, and eventually he was given an MRI.
“Sadly, the results were what every parent dreads a 7cm tumour on his brain. Our world has just been turned upside down.”
Oscar is also determined to share his story and raise awareness.
His mum added: “Oscar has been incredible. He is just a superhero.
“He says to me, I want to raise awareness.
“I think it is the athlete and the elite player in him. Being fit, and healthy, has helped him and the positivity.
“I have no doubt, whatever is next with his treatment, that he will still fulfil his dream of playing for West Ham United and England one day.”
A GoFundMe has been set up by friends of the Fair family to make this “nightmare just a little bit easier”.
All money raised will go towards helping with parking, congestion, food, bills, and general life, as Oscar continues his cancer battle with his family by his side.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/the-fairsy-fundraiser-for-our-oscar
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