Wee Oscar

It’s two and a half years since Oscar’s dad, Stephen ‘Knoxy’ shared the news he’d just received that his three-year-old son had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an apparently rare form of childhood cancer.  All the pains and fears of that day, and the years since, came to the fore over the last eight weeks as the disease took hold.  Oscar’s battle ended yesterday.

On this day we should acknowledge the enormous work by so many people to get Oscar the treatment he needed, many of whom would never meet him.  The treatment cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, a daunting figure, but one which was soon met.  Without this fundraising, Oscar would have died in 2012.  Instead, he lived, played and inspired many with his enthusiasm until recent weeks.  His fantastic “Happy Birthday CQN” video message was recorded just two months ago; a gift to this community.

For now, there are no meaningful words for Stephen, Oscar’s mum Leona, sister Izzie and their family and friends, but we will be there for them in the months and years to come.

This disease, in all its forms, is a curse on humanity.  We need more fundraising, more research, more education on its dangers. 

Before Sunday’s game against Dundee United you will be able to buy a Celtic FC Foundation badge, to aid work with homelessness in the Glasgow area. Badges cost a minimum donation of £1, a price we can all afford to help our neighbours in most need.