Minute's applause planned tonight to pay tribute to 'special' and 'courageous' West Brom fan, 13, who sadly died from rare cancer

Oliver (Olly) O’Brien sadly died aged 13 from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after bravely battling the rare cancer for three and a half years.

Oliver’s step-mother Lucie O’Brien told the Express & Star that Oliver was a lover of football and had just received some West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper gloves by his Nan and Grandad for his birthday to get him back into playing.

Mrs O’Brien said that Oliver sadly relapsed and didn't ever get to use them.

A minute’s silence will be held at West Bromwich Albion’s game tonight against Watford to honour Oliver.

The applause will take place at the 13th minute and an image of Oliver will be shown on the screen.

Mrs O’Brien said that the family had been in close contact with the club as they had arranged for Oliver to go to a match. But his health declined too quickly so Oliver missed it.

Instead, the club has arranged for Oliver’s mum, step-dad, dad, and step-mum to watch the game and for Oliver's two younger step-brothers to be flag bearers.

The family has created a GoFundMe page to raise money to create a “peaceful and beautiful resting place for Oliver - one that honours the special, courageous, and wonderful boy he was.”

The GoFundMe page shares Oliver’s story and the different treatments he endured.

It reads: “His initial treatment caused severe nerve damage and muscle wastage, leaving him unable to walk and spending almost a year extremely unwell, in isolation and in hospital.

“Although this treatment put his leukaemia into remission, he had to relearn how to walk and rebuild his strength. Tragically, the leukaemia returned.

“A second round of treatment meant another long stay in isolation at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“We had a brief moment of hope when he entered remission again, but it lasted only three months before another relapse.”

It added: “Following a third relapse, Oliver underwent a stem cell transplant. He spent four long months in hospital, once again in isolation and seriously unwell.

“The leukaemia returned devastatingly quickly after the transplant. Doctors made one final attempt with chemotherapy, but Oliver’s body reacted very badly after just the first dose. There were no further treatment options available.”

The money donated will go to creating a resting place for Oliver, and any additional funds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses.

You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.