Brave Co Antrim schoolboy Oscar Knox captured the hearts of people around the world during his long battle against childhood cancer and his legacy is set to live on for many years to come.
His doting parents Stephen and Leona Knox are preparing to mark what would have been his 14th birthday next month.
It's now five years since the couple set up a charity fund in their son's name to help raise money for neuroblastoma research and since 2017, it has become their life's work.
Read more: NI family's turmoil after son diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer
Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that affects the sympathetic nervous system.
'Wee Oscar', from Mallusk, was just five when he lost his battle with the disease on May 8, 2014, after two years of extensive treatment in Belfast, London and Philadelphia.
Year on year, Stephen and Leona continue to do so much for children who are battling cancer through the Oscar Knox Fund, which continues the legacy the little man left behind.
The couple have tried to turn their heart-breaking loss into a legacy by transforming childhood cancer research and treatment around the world thanks to a signature event.
The Oscar Knox Cup annual charity golf day aims to raise significant funds for neuroblastoma research whilst also keeping Oscar's memory alive.
In its first year more than £16,000 was raised to support this vital work.
The event is held in September each year around the time of Oscar’s birthday on September 10.
Some of NI’s most well-known faces are no stranger to the popular annual fixture, with boxers Carl Frampton MBE and Paddy Barnes regulars on the course, alongside Jamie and Michael Conlan, while snooker champ Mark Allen has also been known to swap the cue for a club in Oscar’s name.
It has raised over £120,000 for ground-breaking neuroblastoma research since its inception in 2016.
For Stephen, 42, and Leona, 40, who are also parents to Izzie, 12, and five-year-old Caspar, the battle against neuroblastoma is something they are equally committed to.
"We've always been passionate about funding research because things are moving so slowly and treatments for kids are not progressing. Without government funding, the only way to move matters forward is if parents like us do it ourselves," Stephen told Belfast Live.
Last year the Oscar Knox Fund helped fund a £500,000 transatlantic research project to help identify and treat chemotherapy resistant neuroblastoma in newly diagnosed children.
Indolent neuroblastoma is a clinically well-known subtype of the disease which shows little or no response to currently available treatment options. It mostly affects older children, teenagers and adults, giving them a prolonged battle with the disease with very poor overall survival.
Currently, there is a lack of tools to identify patients with indolent neuroblastoma, and therapies to treat them.
The grant will fund research that could ultimately lead to better diagnosis of this form of the disease, as well as targeted treatment options.
This year's charity golf day, which is sponsored by SPAR NI, will see the 1000 th round of golf played in Wee Oscar’s name at this year’s event.
Paddy Barnes, who is an ambassador of the Oscar Knox Fund, will tee off the 1000 th round of golf on the day among other familiar faces which can be seen on the course including boxers Jamie and Michael Conlan, snooker champ Mark Allen, ex-Man Utd footballer Keith Gillespie, entertainer John Linehan and Belfast Giants coach Adam Keefe, who all show their support for the Oscar Knox Cup.
For those playing on the day, there will be exciting on-course competitions, the traditional barbecue at the 9th hole, a post round meal, prize draw, auction and entertainment into the night.
“We really look forward to hosting the Oscar Knox Cup every year, it’s such a fun event and it’s hard to believe this one will see the 1000th round played in Oscar’s name,” Stephen added.
“We want to thank Fortwilliam Golf Club and all of our amazing golfers, donors and sponsors particularly SPAR NI, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible.
“The money raised allows us to support international projects where researchers are working to understand why some children’s disease does not respond to treatment, and to develop novel ways to treat it.
“Thanks to our supporters, and as a result of this incredible work, we know fewer children will suffer like Oscar did.”
Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, owners of SPAR in Northern Ireland added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Oscar Knox Cup for another year.
“The work Stephen and Leona are doing for children all over the world is incredible and it’s so important we continue to support them in every way we can. It is an honour to be involved again in memory of Oscar and we wish everyone involved good luck for the day.”
The Oscar Knox Cup will take place next Friday, September 2 at Fortwilliam Golf Club. Donations can be made here.
READ NEXT:
Mum's devastation as toddler diagnosed with cancer after noticing bruise on his neck
Grieving mum remembers son who lost battle with Covid aged 36
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
