Tributes have been paid to a brave and courageous four year-old football fan who has lost his battle with cancer.

Epsom boy Ollie Lovis won the hearts of people across the UK, and his love of football saw him take to the pitch as a mascot in a game between AFC Wimbledon and Torquay United.

AFC Wimbledon’s mascot, Haydon the Womble, bonded with the youngster and led fundraising drives including setting up a blog and making his last Christmas extra special by encouraging members of the public to donate presents to him.

 


 

A superheroes charity walk in Nonsuch Park in May this year raised £1,367 for Momentum, a local charity supporting children, and their families, who are undergoing treatment for cancer and other life limiting conditions in Surrey and South West London.

Momentum’s Director Bianca Effemey said: "Ollie was loved by everyone who met him. He was a child who had the most amazing way to describe everything, he had such a passion for words even at such a young age.

“He also loved all of nature. He adored owls and plants, his favourite flowers were Gerberas, and his enthusiasm for animals and plants was truly infectious.

"Like many little boys his age he was crazy about dinosaurs and knew all their names. He really was the most adorable boy and will be greatly missed by everyone here at Momentum.”

PICTURES: Mascots and superheroes turn out for charity walk before fourth birthday of brave boy with cancer

Ollie’s mother Terri Lovis from Ewell, came up with the idea of the charity walk which saw her son join dozens of family and friends to dress up as his beloved Spiderman.

It took place on Sunday, May 17, the day before his fourth birthday.

Mrs Lovis said Ollie was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his skull in November 2013 and went to America for proton therapy.

Unfortunately, Ollie later relapsed and the cancer spread to his spine, legs and hip and late last year he was given just months to live.

Little Ollie died on Sunday, July 12, aged four.

AFC Wimbledon commercial director Ivor Heller said: "We were honoured to have hosted him.

"He was a fantastic mascot and a credit to his family.

"Everyone at the club is very very sad by his passing."

A statement from Torquay United, his favourite club, said: "Ollie made a big impression upon us when he came to visit. So soon afterwards, Torquay United is left saddened by his passing.

"On behalf of everyone associated with our club we extend our sympathy to his family at this extremely sad time."

The Lovis family have asked that there be no flowers, but that if people would like to donate something, to make donations to Momentum Children’s Charity www.moment-um.org