The world of football is uniting to help save the life of a Benfleet teenager as £75,000 is raised in just two days, including donations from Declan Rice and David Sullivan.
Oscar Fairs, 14, was diagnosed with a 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and has undergone more than seven surgeries to remove the cancerous lumps.
He has now been accepted onto one of the medulloblastoma European multitarget metronomic antiangiogenic (MEMMAT) trials in Lille, with total costs amounting to £100,000.
Despite feeling "relieved", the family had to raise money before he could begin the trial in a few weeks.
A GoFundMe page was launched with a target of £100,000 to pay for the costs and support the family with the move to France.
In just 48 hours, the page received a staggering £75,000 in donations for Oscar, who plays as a goalkeeper for West Ham's U14s team.
Former West Ham and current Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, has donated £5,000 to the cause.
David Sullivan, one of the co-owners of West Ham Football Club, also donated £10,000 that morning.
His mum, Natalie, 41, an emotional literacy support assistant from Benfleet, was overwhelmed by the donations.
She said: "I can't find words big enough or strong enough [to reflect] the huge generosity from people.
"It is such an overwhelming sight to see the figures. Our children are our future.
"People not know to us - but strangers, donating their vital funds to support us.
"With lumps in my throat and tears down my face, I can't thank them enough - they are supporting my baby."
Before the trial, Oscar had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation as part of an SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology) clinical trial that started in January.
He had four months of chemotherapy delivered through an imported pic line into his heart, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy.
Tragically, Oscar's trial failed after results showed that the cancerous cells had multiplied.
Natalie added: "We are so relieved that he has got a trial.
"I reached out to 22 cities that hold this trial.
"I have gone with the nearest to where we live as we need to put more money into saving Oscar's life.
"We have been told the UK can only offer palliative care.
"I need to save our son's life - our country has given up.
"The UK has done everything they can but they won't take the risk.
"I need someone willing to be a superhero just like Oscar and work their magic to remove it.
"I couldn't accept what they told me."
For eight months before his diagnosis, Oscar's family was told his symptoms were mental health-related and referred him to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).
Oscar, who plays for West Ham's U14s team, had counselling but things only deteriorated and Natalie demanded answers.
Oscar was seen by a GP who, to Natalie's shock, said he had a migraine and suggested he spend four days "in a dark room without his phone", she said.
Shortly after, Oscar was finally diagnosed with a 7cm brain tumour after Natalie demanded an MRI scan.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/5vqtt-save-oscars-life
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