Tributes paid as ‘Wee Oscar’ loses cancer battle

TRIBUTES has been paid to Oscar Knox after the Belfast youngster lost his fight against cancer.

Oscar Knox has lost his battle with cancer. Picture: submitted

The five year-old died on Thursday following a two-and-a-half year battle with neuroblastoma.

On Friday his family tweeted: “Our beautiful, amazing and much loved son Oscar James Knox gained his angel wings yesterday afternoon. Sleep tight little man.”

Celtic fan Oscar was supported by the club with supporters raising £600,000 towards his treatment.

The youngster led out Neil Lennon’s side as team mascot when Celtic took on Belfast side Cliftonville in their UEFA Champions League qualifier last season.

In October 2012, he flew out to America for specialist treatment after his family reached their £250,000 fundraising target.

Oscar was first diagnosed in November 2011 and after intensive treatment he was finally given the all clear in April 2013 however the cancer returned in August 2013.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “This is absolutely devastating news and our thoughts and prayers are with Oscar’s parents, Stephen and Leona, and his little sister, Izzie, at this desperately sad time.

“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.

“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.

“This is a very sad day for the Celtic Family but, more importantly, for the Knox family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them today.”

Tributes poured in on Twitter in praise of the youngster’s courage in his fight against cancer.

@Danny_G_1872 tweeted: “It takes a remarkable amount to unite Rangers and Celtic fans these days. Oscar Knox is that remarkable amount.”

@JoeBrolly1993 said: “Such a shame about Oscar Knox. The epic battle to keep one small child alive showed us mankind at its very very best.”

@RangersMedia added: “Thoughts are with the family of Oscar Knox who has sadly passed away. A truly brave young man. RIP.”