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20-year-old West Ham striker loses battle to Cancer

Dylan Tombides passed away earlier today

English Premier League side West Ham United have announced the death of their 20-year-old footballer Dylan Tombides. Dylan who had been suffering from testicular cancer since 2011, passed away earlier today.

The striker had joined West Ham’s youth team at the age of 15, and had made his first team debut in the League Cup clash against Wigan in September of 2012.

West Ham have announced that  a minute’s applause will be held, in the memory of Dylan Tombides ahead of their relegation battle clash against Crystal Palace at Upton Park. The players will also be sporting black armbands in the memory of the 20-year-old.

Tombides was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 17 when he was a part of Australia’s Under-17 World Cup team in Mexico. A random drugs test, which was conducted on the back of a 4-0 defeat to Uzbekistan uncovered a tumour to be present in one of his testicles. Ever since he had underwent countless surgeries and chemotherapy sessions.

A West Ham statement read:

“West Ham United announce the sad news that forward Dylan Tombides has passed away at the age of 20 following his brave battle with cancer.”

“Dylan passed away on Friday morning with his family by his side having courageously fought the disease for three years after initially being diagnosed with testicular cancer in summer 2011.

“He remained a regular visitor to Chadwell Heath throughout his treatment and his positive attitude and professional approach to his football and training always impressed and boosted his team-mates and coaches alike.”

“The thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with his parents Tracylee and Jim, brother Taylor, his family and friends at this sad time. The club request that their privacy is now respected and they are allowed to grieve their much loved son and brother in peace.”

His younger brother, Taylor, another West Ham youth player, tweeted:

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