Oscar Knox Dies After Battling Cancer

Oscar Knox, the five-year-old boy from County Antrim who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of two, passed away on Thursday afternoon.

The news was announced on a Twitter account set up to raise awareness of the condition. It said: "Our beautiful amazing and much loved son Oscar James Knox gained his angel wings yest afternoon. Sleep tight little man Xx #TeamOscarForever"

Oscar's parents began the social media campaign shortly after his diagnosis in a bid to raise funding and awareness for treatment.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects around 100 children each year in the UK. Most children who get this cancer are younger than five years old, according to the MacMillan cancer support charity.

First Minister Peter D Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed their sadness upon hearing the news this morning.

Peter Robinson said: "I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Leona and Stephen and the entire Knox family on the death of Oscar.

“Their sense of loss and devastation is immeasurable. When I met Oscar I was struck by his infinite energy and sense of fun. He had a tremendous capacity to overcome the challenges he and his family faced together.

"Oscar was an amazing young boy who lived his life to the full and filled those around him with admiration and hope."

Martin McGuinness said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Leona, Stephen and Isobella and the wider family circle at this time.

"Oscar touched the hearts and minds of everyone and inspired countless people through his positive attitude and resilience.

"The day Oscar and his family visited Stormont was one of my most uplifting days in politics and you couldn’t help but be enthused by his vibrancy and spirit. Oscar was a little warrior who faced down sickness and setbacks and showed all of us how precious life is."

(IT)