Some of the incredible people from the WeeOscar4Life campaign spoke to Stephen and Leona Knox and asked if it would be appropriate to submit an article to CQN for today, the first anniversary of Oscar’s passing.
What started in the Celtic community went worldwide and had a profound effect on Oscar, his family and the wider community. We lost Oscar, but there is a legacy which continues to help children similarly afflicted. It’s right that you should read the effect of what you did for Oscar, and what continues to be done in his name.
This is the article:
To Stephen and Leona he was their son, to Izzie he was her brother to the rest of the world he was known and revered as ‘Wee Oscar’ however Oscar Knox was also known ‘Bravest boy in the World’, ‘an inspiration to a Nation’ and ‘the boy who united Northern Ireland’.
Oscar’s story first came to light on the Celtic Quick News blog where Stephen (Knoxy2000) posted about Oscar’s fight against cancer. A number of CQNer’s decided they wanted to help and this is where WeeOscar4Life started. The WeeOscar4Life campaign team organised various fundraising events and activities for the Oscar Knox Appeal. Collections that raised in excess of £2,800; CQN badges raised over £3,600; however there has been one event so far that completely surpassed all expectations and really proved beyond doubt that the Celtic supporters are amongst the most generous in the World.
On Saturday 22nd September 2012 at Celtic’s game against Dundee at Celtic Park, over 200 volunteers collected money on behalf of the WeeOscar4Life campaign as part of the Oscar Knox Appeal. Wee Oscar’s Green Bucket Army raised an astonishing £32,000 in just two. When you include a very successful race night at Celtic Park and a sponsored cycle to Belfast; the WeeOscar4Life campaign raised well in excess of £100,000 for the Oscar Knox Appeal.
Stephen and Leona had made the decision that a proactive social media campaign would be their best chance of raising the much needed money to enable Oscar to be sent to America or Germany for the specialist treatment that would give him the best chance of beating the neuroblastoma cancer. The Oscar Knox Appeal raised the £250,000 target in just 3 months and has raised over £700,000 now in total. The profile of their campaign and appeal ensured that Oscar’s story became news the world over.
The WeeOscar4Life campaign also relied heavily on social media to raise awareness of our events. Our campaign team was just a few therefore the support and help of the wider online community was essential. Every one of the WeeOscar4Life campaign team would like to personally thank and show our appreciation to everyone who shared our calls for help. Most of all, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every person who made donations.
Something that you should be aware (and extremely proud) of is that when you raised £32,000 at the Green Bucket Army collection, your money was the catalyst and final piece of the jigsaw that made it possible for Oscar to fly to America for the specialist treatment he so desperately needed.
As it turned out the trip to America did not go to plan and very quickly Oscar’s health deteriorated to the point that the Doctors didn’t believe Oscar would survive the night. God knows how Stephen and Leona coped being stuck many thousands of miles from home with a bunch of strangers and having to watch their son slip away in front of their eyes. However Oscar showed that fighting Irish spirit and that Fearless determination and somehow pulled through. Unfortunately due to the medical complications that Oscar had developed he was unable to receive the specialist treatment he so desperately needed and had to return home where it was unclear what the next steps in Oscars treatment were and all that remained was a massive £250k medical bill and a wee boy that now had even more medical complications and battles ahead.
But as we all know Oscar had already proven what a fighter he was and amazingly his health did improve and even more amazingly during the early months of summer 2013 Stephen and Leona had announced that to the surprise of everyone that tests had shown that Oscar was cancer free.
Normal Life would mean that Oscar would be able to go back to playgroup again and the thoughts turned to planning Oscar’s step up to the big school in September. In May 2013 Oscar had the chance to spend time in his new school, meet his teachers and classmates, and even get fitted for his new uniform. This trip to school meant the world to Oscar and his extremely proud family.
The summer of 2013 and normal life involved a short holiday at Centerparks which the family absolutely loved, and then a short break in Scotland, where they were able to visit family and friends. There was also the Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville at Celtic Park where Oscar was the Celtic mascot.
Watching Oscar come out onto the pitch hand in hand with Captain Scott Brown was a moment that the thousands who attended will never forget. The moment that Oscar ran to hug Hoopy will be the lasting memory for hundreds of thousands if not millions of people across the world. Although I think that Stephen enjoyed his time just as much as Oscar and taking penalties into the Celtic end goal after the game gave him a smile almost as big as Oscar’s.
Sadly shortly after returning home from their time in Scotland Stephen and Leona knew that something was not quite right with Oscar’s health so back to hospital and their specialist they had to go. Their Doctor informed them that the cancer had returned; this was going to prove to be Oscar’s biggest battle of all.
Despite the earlier disappointment of having to postpone Oscar’s primary 1 start in September 2013, due to his chemotherapy and hospital treatment, he finally got his biggest wish when he was able to start school on the 7th January 2014. Leona says “If it was possible, Stephen and I wore even prouder smiles than this as we drove him to school on that first morning.”
In March 2014 Leona and Stephens worst fears were realised when scans revealed that the neuroblastoma had overrun Oscar’s wee body – devastating news. But this wonderfully dedicated and kind couple never gave up hope for Oscar’s sake and it’s obvious that Stephen and Leona’s ability to maintain a positive environment around Oscar contributed immensely to Oscar wonderful positivity.
On Thursday 8th May 2014 Oscar sadly lost his two and a half year battle with Cancer and passed away at the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice in his Mum and Dad’s arms. The news broke with a message from the family saying “Our beautiful amazing and much loved Son Oscar James Knox gained his angel wings yesterday afternoon. Sleep tight little man xx #TeamOscarForever”. It seemed like the whole world was grieving with Stephen, Leona, Izzie and their entire family with literally thousands upon thousands of Facebook and Twitter messages being sent to the official Wee Oscar accounts.
The hundreds of ordinary people who came to honour and show their love and pay their respects to Oscar were joined by prominent politicians and sports personalities including, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Belfast boxers Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes and award-winning restaurateur Michael Deane amongst others.
Hundreds of people lined the streets, some gave polite applause when Oscar passed, Police Officers saluted, people took off their hats and bowed and some held homemade banners. One of these banners read “You’ll Never Walk Alone RIP Oscar #TeamOscar Brave to the very end”. Little children many wearing football kits and tops of many teams including Celtic, Cliftonville and Rangers were seen; but football was irrelevant and rivalries were forgotten as everyone came to show their love for Oscar and their solidarity with Stephen, Leona and Izzie.
The funeral mass was a wonderful celebration of Oscar’s short life and proved to be a very fitting send off. Near the end of the service both Stephen and Leona said a few words and they both spoke with a dignity, compassion and bravery that is hard to comprehend. They are truly amazing people and wonderful parents. While people applauded Stephen and Leona’s courage and heartfelt words I suspect the congregated masses were also saying to them ‘thank you for letting us be part of your beautiful family’s and especially Oscar’s life’.
On the same day as Oscar’s funeral Celtic played Dundee Utd in the final game of the SPFL Premiership season; the day that Celtic would be presented with the League trophy; a day that would have been emotionally charged at the best of times however on this day it was even more emotional. The Celtic players all wore black armbands, before the game started a tribute was displayed on the big screens as they played “You’ll never walk alone” over the PA system. RIP Oscar Banners were displayed throughout the stadium showing their love and support for Oscar. One of the most poignant and appropriate was displayed by the Green Brigade that said “Heart of a Lion – Courage of a Champion – RIP Oscar”. On the 5th minute (Oscar’s age) the entire stadium got to their feet to applaud; including the Celtic management team and substitutes in the dugout in what was a genuine show of respect, love and acknowledgement of what a personality and amazing bhoy that Oscar was. After the applause turned to another chorus of “You’ll never walk alone”.
The final celebration of Oscars life was a service at Roselawn Crematorium the following day in South Belfast which was predominantly attended by family and close friends; however just like his funeral mass there were a few notable and instantly recognisable public figures there including Celtic’s Kris Commons and his partner Lisa Hague who have both been wonderful supporters of the Oscar Knox Appeal as well as Jordan O’Keefe the Britain’s Got talent finalist who wore his #TeamOscar wristband with pride throughout every round of the live TV shows which helped to raise massive awareness for Oscars plight.
Quite a few people have repeated Stephens words that “Oscar achieved more in his 5 and a half short years that most of us ever will in a lifetime” and how true these words are; some of this “big man for a wee mans” achievements include raising global awareness of neuroblastoma, increasing blood donations across the UK and Ireland, bringing diametrically opposed politicians together and being the catalyst for the first ever professional boxing event to be hosted in Belfast City Hall. He inspired people from many Countries across the world to go out and fundraise (which they did to the tune of just over £700,000 for the Oscar Knox Appeal) and even in death Oscar continues to inspire people to donate to worthwhile causes with over £36,000 raised within days for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Children’s Haematology Unit in his memory.
These are just some of the things that Oscar achieved, however without doubt Oscar’s greatest legacy is that he made us better people! You could not help but be inspired to be happier and smile a bit more than we normally would, to be more courageous and determined (given what Oscar was going through everything else paled into insignificance) and if nothing else just to be a better person I mean how could you not be inspired to be a better person?
WeeOscar4Life was set-up to help Oscar and his amazing family get through the tough time of raising money to help Oscar get the much needed treatment that in the end he was sadly unable to get despite the truly heroic efforts of Stephen and Leona. Oscar will forever be in the hearts and minds of many people around the World and we are certain that memorials in many shapes and forms will be created for Oscar. The WeeOscar4Life team are delighted to say that with the support of many CQNer’s we have been able to create our own lasting memorial for Oscar with the installation of a Paving Stone at Celtic Park. However the true purpose of WeeOscar4Life means ‘for life’ and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with our friends for life, Stephen, Leona and Izzie. Be assured that we will be here to walk with you on the next steps of your journey as friends.
It has been an honour and a privilege to have known Oscar and we are proud that you, Stephen and Leona, let us become a small part of your journey with Oscar and that we were able to share some of the highs and lows with you and your beautiful family.
Rest in Peace Champ, your smile and thumbs up will forever be treasured. Your bravery and inspirational fighting spirit an eternal legacy :’-)
To donate to the Oscar Knox Appeal use the following: http://www.justgiving.com/OscarAppeal
To donate to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice use the following:
http://www.justgiving.com/remember/123577/Oscar-Knox
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https://twitter.com/CollectCelticFC/status/596587795390541824
Great Article Paul67
hail hail
Canamalar @16:12
Censorship no, not the way I read it at all. How about a wee bit of appropriate thought and timing instead given a very moving and sensitive leader/ article? Perhaps the politicking could have been continued in free flow on the previous article if it means so much? Just my thoughts.
Teuchter ár lá
Wasn’t aware Sporting were sponsored by NTL :¬)
Reading about Wee Oscar just reminds me how much I love my grandchildren. There’s a saying in politics—people get the government they deserve. As an earlier poster pointed out, the young ones in West Belfast hardly bothered there collective arse’s, yet they’ll be in a bar on Sunday with the Hoops on. They can’t remember the discrimination, the midnight raids, the stop you at anytime we feel like it searches. Yesterday I spent a bit of time in S.Belfast helping out Mairtin O’Muilleor. I also ferried older people from my area, who could not drive or found the walk too much, to the polling station to vote. Of about 15/16 people, half were unionists. of those, 3 were going to vote for O’Muilleor as a result of his tenure as Lord Mayor. You can reach across any perceived divide by example.
Early days, when SF was in it’s infancy, I walked past my own Cumann with my vote, when the policy was don’t vote. It took 10 men dead before the realization hit about the effect of the ballot box.
Scotland needs a Republican party in the mould of Connelly if you want socialism.
Speaking of Socialism, welcome back Philvis.
Nzb..,
Another who wants to stifle debate with the false moral high ground grab, there is no excuse except you disagree with Ernie and want him silenced.
Meanwhile the discussion about the election goes on but only Ernie gets attacked and that’s acceptable.
Canman
Think my job will be safe buddy
When benefits are paid to vulnerable folk including their housing costs they won’t pay rent
I worked in DHSS when they changed the system making payments direct to councils and landlords due to the horrendous arrrears that built up
Round an round we go
bt..,
Just thinking the funds for people like yourself will be cut to make the rest of the cuts easier.
Canman
I’m not funded by Central or local government
I’m on commission. 8))
Joke btw
Beer time later bhoys n ghirls
Canalamar
If I was paying respects at a memorial service and someone was making political statements via megaphone nearby, I would feel inclined to deservedly shove that implement where the sun don’t shine. If you find that ‘shameful’, then that’s just your opinion.
And Ernie Lynch is not the only miscreant – we could all list the individuals who inflict their very subjective opinions on the blog over and over again, ad nauseam.
It’s a great pity we couldn’t ‘vote’ them onto a separate thread where they could be denied the oxygen of reply, so fight amongst themselves and give the rest of us peace.
I do not intend to waste any more space on this fine blog on this matter. My offer still stands.
Zbyszek
wszystkiego Najlepszego z okazj urodzin
belated happy birthday mate.all the best
HH
Why is BBC showing 331 Tories and a majority of 12 and Sky showing 330 Tories and a majority of 10 ?
corkcelt @ 15:34 on 8 May, 2015 and oglach @ 16:13
I agree with oglach, but in some measure for slightly different reasons.
Like it or not, the 6 counties’ hate parties have always carried a weight disproportionate to their relatively small size …. sometimes because of political expediency, as oglach correctly suggests, but other times I think it is just because of the latent bigotry … the DUP might not carry as much weight as they would have if the Cons were a seat or two short of a majority … but the Tories will make sure that they pander to the the DUP audience.
On matters completely unrelated to the six county bigots ….:) ….. I have a feeling QOTS will pick up the win tomorrow against the zombies. Hope I haven’t jinxed them.
Canamalar, chill please. I’m making no commentary on any other poster related to this and making no attempt to dictate. As for moral high ground, I simply don’t have one. My observation is that sometimes given the very touching and emotive subject may be to just cool your jets a little? Please take it in the manner it was meant.
After the closure of the angry orc shop at Glasgow Airport the sevco think tank have moved swiftly to get a new fashion line in the shops.
https://www.tumblr.com/search/hunfashion
I thought the finishing line was 326 making a majority of 5??
With the season ending for us now on 24th May and our first CL qualifier likely on 14/15th July it is a great pity that Scotland are playing the key qualifier against Ireland on June 13th.
We are likley to have Broony, Craig Gordon and James Forrest at least involved, so am wondering how Ronny will schedule summer break with the pre-season schedule. Any thoughts ghuys?
Hope Jinky’s teaching wee Oscar some dribbling skills this morning under the watchful eye of big Jock.
Celtic go to work on sunday
a professional performance
fitting of the champions that you are
HH
Oscar Knox is smiling down on Paradise, holding Jinky’s hand, while learning the finer points of keepie up from the Master himself.
A wee man with the wings of an angel that brought out and showed to all the heart and soul of the Celtic family.
Thoughts and prayers to his own family this day.
Former Para Dan Jarvis being mooted as next Labour leader. Dearie me that will cause a bit of consternation on here and elsewhere.
A sat having a wee quiet greet today as I read about Wee Oscar.
HH jamesgang
Raymac
V Good of you to help the old people out.
Over in East Belfast, it seems that the nationalist vote (15-20%) went tactically to Naomi Long of Alliance (unsuccessfully).
More and more, the DUP represent the Tea Party in America.
Theglasgowcelticway 16.42.
Think double for extra seat they pick up the opposition have one less too.
In all honesty modern politicians are self serving bar stewards.
A rotten system designed to maintain the status quo.
Here in the USA its exactly the same.
The people have been conned.
The memorial at CP for Oscar is one of the most heartbreaking pictures I’ve seen in my life.
God bless him and his family.
theglasgowcelticway, I think we are allowing for 4 abstensionists, meaning total deputies attending 646, number required to win a vote 324.
Final figures Tory 331 rest (Exc SF) 315, leaving a 16 majority.
embramike@16:43 …. in response to your question,
Scott Brown said, “break?! We dont need no stinking break!”
James Forrest said, “eer… actually, my hamstring is a bit tight, so I could use a bit of a break”, and
Craig Gordon said, “ZZZZZZZZZZ” … (he didn’t have much to do since the Milan games, so went for a nap right after, and, since VVD and JD were sweeping up everyithing after that, they decided to let him sleep ….and no one has bothered to wake him up since then)
South of Tunis.
Don’t kid yourself. He only has to pander to English Nationalist. He doesn’t give two monkeys about Scottish Nationalists or Scotland.
One thing we can all be sure of no matter what happens over the rest of the next few days, we’ll all still wake up each morning as Celtic fans.
I travelled yesterday from chicago to Dublin.
There was a Young boy on the flight who looked very ill. I looked at the brave mum and grand parents and filled up some. A moment of what’s it all about. And of counting my blessings
it doesn’t get much to have me thinking on wee Oscar. He certainly touched our hearts.
The politics can wait another day.
Paul
Many thanks for such a powerful and emotive article.
The Oscar campaign shows just how much people can do when they work together for a common and decent cause.
I take my hat off to Oscar’s parents for their strength and determination to carry on and hope that they only ever experience good things in their lives from now on.
I firmly believe that Oscar is now in a better place and that one day he will be reunited with his family
God bless them all and all who take part in the work!
HH
Somebody can’t count.
It’s them Kafflick schools.
Apparently stunned Labour loser in West Dunbartonshire refused to talk to the media.
And Council Leader Martin Rooney is still spouting ‘Vote SNP, get Tory guff’.
don’t imagine that they were weighing SNP votes in England.
Why can’t Labour just take it on the chin and accept that it itself to blame, especially in Scotland.
Any word on Murphy resigning as Scottish Labour leader who led his troops into the biggest slaughter since the Charge of the Light Brigade.
Rest In Peace wee hero Oscar.
Embramike..,
But I note it’s only Ernie you had a go at, to me that simply betrays your intolerance towards his particular argument.
I see your still trying to grab some moral high ground which is not there.
Paul’s fantastic and beautiful article about a brave wee bhoy does not give anyone the right to use it as a rod for censorship especially the way you used it.
I’ve been out the country for over two years now but even so I’m no sure I’d want to meet such an intolerant champion of censorship.
Quonno
Have you read the article mate?
Obviously you are as pleased as Punch and want to enjoy the moment – good luck to you and your chums!
however I think the election gloating doesn’t sit well under Such an article as the one about Wee Oscar!
HH
Important Champions League dates:
Draw schedule:
22/06/15 Nyon First and second qualifying round
17/07/15 Nyon Third qualifying round
07/08/15 Nyon Play-off round
27/08/15 Monaco Group stage
Match Schedule:
First qualifying round, first leg 30/06–01/07/15
First qualifying round, second leg 07–08/07/15
Second qualifying round, first leg 14–15/07/15
Second qualifying round, second leg 21–22/07/15
Third qualifying round, first leg 28–29/07/15
Third qualifying round, second leg 04–05/08/15
Play-off round, first leg 18–19/08/15
Play-off round, second leg 25–26/08/15
Tricolured Ribbon
Happy Birthday.
Vmhan has his Birthday today too.
TGCW, thanks for yesterday.