Updated 3.51pm
A 5-YEAR-OLD boy from Belfast who had been battling an extremely rare type of cancer – passed away last night.
Oscar Knox, who was a huge Celtic fan, got a chance to meet his heroes last summer when he was guest of honour at Celtic Park as the Hoops beat Cliftonville. At the time he had been given the all clear after an 18 month fight with an extremely rare, high risk neuroblastoma.
However his health deteriorated in the last few months and his family said he was moving to a hospice. In the early hours of this morning, his parents said their little boy had passed away:
In a statement, his family said he brought them “unimaginable joy” with his smile and infectious personality.
“Our little superhero achieved so much in his short life and inspired so many people throughout the world to do so many amazing things, something we are incredibly proud of.”
Celtic football club said the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with his parents Stephen and Leona, his little sister Izzie and all of his family and friends.
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“We can’t even begin to understand the pain of their loss, but I hope that there will be a small measure of consolation in knowing that there was genuine love and affection for Oscar from the Celtic Family throughout the world,” Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said today.
“Oscar’s courage throughout his illness was truly inspirational, and it was a real pleasure for everyone at the club to meet Oscar when he was our team mascot last July.”
A Mass of the Angels will be held in St Bernard’s Church, Glengormley this Sunday at 11am in celebration of the little boy’s life. All family, friends and supporters are welcome to join a procession from the NI Children’s Hospice at 10.15am.
First published 11.35am
