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
2,473 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- ...
- 66
- »
happy birthday to vnham and tr.
just think together your nearly as old as celtic.
-)
I see the Tories beat Millies Muppets by 99 seats………99 Red balloons! :-(
Lord Turd on telly damning the ‘kwality’ of the Labour candidates in Scotland with faint praise. Painful viewing.
cambhoy
Here’s the post I put up the other day
12:15 on 6 May, 2015
Seen a few posts last night regarding the query Celtic sent to the SFA regarding the officials decision at the semi final not to award Celtic a penalty and send off the ICT player , I received this as part of a response to an email I sent asking if the club has received a response yet .
“In terms of the referee decision the response was basically that the officials didn’t see the handball and therefore couldn’t give a penalty or red card. Ultimately it gets to a point where you can’t prove otherwise so it becomes a moot point to continue with it, the fact remains that we were right to ask. ”
Looks like the club will not be taking it further , really disappointed in this decision by the club . If as they claim none of the officials seen the incident then why was the case dropped after the ICT players lawyer claimed some of the officials had indeed seen the incident meaning no case should have been raised in the first place .
Something stinks .
Thanks Canamalar, yet again we roll over, says a lot for how the leadership value us
RIP Wi Oscar. You are a star to us all. IM off to London for the weekend. In campden on Sunday. Any pubs in the area with our own to watch Celtic!
now,
my travels.
nothing fills me more with pride than seeing the hoops somewhere.
chicago last few days, very sunny, and ……… a count of 3 celtic tops spotted.
on way home, the aer lingus flight to dublin, 2 more tops.
shout out to the YOUNG NEIL LENNON lookalike from NEW LODGE BELFAST with his Broony 8 hoops.
top tim, pleasure to meet you young fella.
also, the steward on board, i went up to the galley for a wee beer, he asks where i was from ………. glasgow, says i,
he breaks into “glasgow celtic, champions, oh oh oh oh”
verry funny.
then dublin airport 6am this morning , another bundle of hoops and tim caps.
love it.
roll on a great summer
This is what it’s all about…..
https://twitter.com/kcommons15/status/596701550208229376
mon the hoops
saint stirs,
Wait till you see Easter 2016.
Everyone here is so well up for the lads coming over.
Are you based in Dublin?
Clogher
Evening all
Thanks to Paul for printing the article that I have just read. I am not sorry to say that I felt a lump in my throat and my lower lip trembling.
Thanks again Paul and God Bless the Knox Family and wee Oscar himself.
YNWA
Jimbo67
67 heaven,
that link led on to this one, fearless oscar indeed
https://twitter.com/gerryglesga/status/596708364094152706/photo/1
Sorry should have been saint stivs.
timbhoy2
18:35 on 8 May, 2015
Socialism is finished in the UK
—————————————————————
IS that so? When did it start?
Anyway – the greatest trick the devil ever did was to convince people he didny exist.
I don’t believe in the devil myself but I’m sure you catch my drift.
The greatest trick the right ever pulled off was to convince so many people that there is no alternative and that socialism doesn’t work. This coming from supporters of a system that systematically moves money and resources from those that need it to those that have the power to get it and keep it all for themselves. A broken system if ever there was one.
Don’t buy the lie. The Socialist experiments in S. America and central america, the social democratic move to a welfare state in the UK all those years ago, nationalisation of energy, transport and so on – all worked to greater and lesser degrees. Privatised transport costs the tax payer more than the ‘failed’ British Rail. The Privately run bits of the NHS are costing the country billions in mortgage payments otherwise known as PPI/ PFI, the majority of welfare recipients are in work – the state is therefore subsidising private employers to the tune of billions, the state educates and trains workers at tax payers expense (quite rghtly) but who are the major beneficiaries? Employers who get a well educated and trained workforce for nothing and then whine about paying taxes and the education system…..
I could go on but it’s clear that capitalism works only for the wealthy. Socialism is far from dead but it needs to be fought for….
cuilrathaine67
You best bet would be the aptly named Sheephaven Bay, On Mornington Street, a few minutes walk from Mornington Crescent Tube Station, and just west of Camden High Street.
clogher celt
18:50 on
8 May, 2015
saint stirs,
Wait till you see Easter 2016.
allright bud.
i am in port glasgow/bishopton.
i use dublin to get to US on work duties.
worked a fair bit in dublin last year, but only ever do day trips, never stayed once ever.
next years easter is my 50th , so i dont think i will get a pass, but would love to.
saint stirs is a now one,
i usually get saint stives.
my mates, well guys i pretend to like over here, will love the saint stirs, cause thats what they say i do.
i do therefor i am
Vmhan
In case you thought I had fallen out of love with you Breithla Shona
And to our Polish correspondent Zbyszek belated for yesterday. Missed due to other important commitments.
KTF
Robert Tressell @ 18:53
An excellent post. It has been an almost accepted truth that the need for trade unions ended with the victorian era, but, the internalization of economies and the rise of electronic sweatshops make unions (and socialism more generally) more relevant and necessary now than at any time in our history.
And as you say, nowadays, it is all about controlling the message. Killing argument before it has even begun.
C(homsky)QuickNews
Paul67 et al
Looking at the picture of Wee Oscar there I find it hard to believe that he is no longer with us.
God bless that wee bhoy.
Robert T
Fair play. Only part left out is the myth perpetrated that somehow there is a dichotomy between the public and private sectors ie that the public sector is piggybacking on the largesse of the private sector. As if public sector workers don’t purchase homes necessitating builders, plasterers, electricians etc to be kept in employment. Same applies to eating, drinking spend et al.
After Oscars battles that was my last politics post of night. Puts a lot in perspective as someone remarked earlier.
A support like no other. HH.
Well done Paul,
a fantastic reminder of why we continue to contribute to this wonderful site ;-))
bringsoutthebestofusCSC
Ps hoopy birthday to every1, belated, and current ;-)
Cowiebhoy,
from yesterday re ure ayefone with a temperature…..wat you need to do is dissolve the paracetemol in water, then drip feed the water into ure fones charger socket for a couple of hours, then put on recharge…..problem solved
ure welcome ;-))
peskyphonesolutionsCSC
Hail Hail
jeez, 5 more years of the highwaymen, my son’s 14, my daughters 10, there won’t be a country left for them
csparnellcsc
Croppy Boy.
Facing facts ain’t gloating.
I posted yesterday to the effect hat the biggest thing in the aftermath of the coming slaughter would be Scottish Labour’s ability to reform itself.
Also you will look long and hard to find me on here slagging anyone, except of course THEM in derisory terms such as Telly Tubbies.
It is not the fault of the SNP that Labour is unelectable in England.
P67 fantastic article.
Reading with a tear in my eye, god bless the wee man and his family.
YNWA Team Oscar.
HH
Is it my mouse or is there fault with cut and paste facility?
That was a very difficult article to read today Paul,
God Bless Wee Oscar and his family today and always
gsu
An excellent main article here Paul67.
Love and respect to the wee man’s family.
Here’s a piece for the guys sick of election stuff.
http://www.onfieldsofgreen.com/obstacles-to-progress/
Tomorrow I will respond
But today is a tribute to our wee hero
Oscar
St Stivs,
Dublin is a great option for going to the States.
Thanks for coming back.
If you are back in Dublin, give me a shout.
Clogher
mike in toronto
19:06 on
8 May, 2015
Robert Tressell @ 18:53
Robert. One of the biggest tragedies is that very many nominally Labour politicians were happy to go along with socialism being a taboo word.
I believe thaat not so long ago we had one of them as Chairman of Celtic.
***********Political Post Warning*************
I know I sed that posting about politics on a football blog was a waste of time ( might hav sed wat a load of bollocks )…..wats done is done…..how do we ( political Scotland ) move forward…..do Scottish Labour form their own identity now? Wat happens here following a referendum re the E.U. if the majority down south decide to withdraw…..is that the trigger for the Nats to call for another Indy Referendum…..interesting times ahead
**********Politics Over***********
agree with BMCUWP,
strongest team on field at first, giv ourselves the opperchancity to blood some youngsters
H.H.
Ps does Weefra like a fight when on the rum ;-))
quonno…
I’ve had the same problem c&p ing with the I pad, same yesterday.
Hopefully yesterday has put paid to Red Rosette on a Monkey, and ma mammy and daddy did so will I syndromes.
sipsini
19:34 on
8 May, 2015
quonno…
I’ve had the same problem c&p ing with the I pad, same yesterday.
Oddly enough after moaning, it seems to have fixed itself.
To be upfront, I don’t particularly like Jim Murphy. However, he is to admired in his statement of intent to remain as Scottish Labour Leader during what almost inevitably be a period of intensive internal bloodletting within the party.
Excuse me if anyone else has already pointed this out. I’m going to a Fitdt Communion tomorrow so wanted to record the QotS v Hins game on BT Sport. It’s billed as “Live: Scottish Premiership Football”. Surely this is false advertising?
quonno…
Me too, oh well, a spooky day altogether!
Reckon I’ll stay up for the moonhowling tonight now and post some crap tunes…again :)
Blair and his public school toffee nosed cool britannia mob ruined the labour party.turned it into” tory light”