Tuesday marked seven years since Dylan Tombides made his West Ham United debut against Wigan Athletic.
The game was lost 4-1 as the Hammers went crashing out of the League Cup, but that isn’t what matters about that day.
Tombides had been fighting testicular cancer, with the effects of the chemotherapy clear to see, but still managed to get himself onto the pitch with what was an inspiring showing of determination and resilience.
West Ham have published tributes to him across their official channels:
Seven years ago today 18-year-old Dylan Tombides made his debut against Wigan in the League Cup.
Dylan had been diagnosed with testicular cancer the year before and sadly passed away in 2014.
Rest in peace Dylan, an inspiration to us all. pic.twitter.com/MpH0Xqk3fC
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 25, 2019
This occasion came less than two years before Tombides lost his life at the age of 20 and cemented his place in the West Ham history books.
He is still remembered now, through the DT38 Foundation, while there is also an award named after him at the West Ham end of season awards.
Tombides is still in the mind of Hammers fans, with many taking their chance to recognise him and the moment he got onto the pitch at Upton Park.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the anniversary, including tweets from West Ham fans paying their respects, can be seen below:
missed by everyone
— zakk (@Zakkxxxxxx) September 25, 2019
RIP
— Andrei Ionescu (@AndreiI67698793) September 25, 2019
RIP DYLAN TAKEN FAR TOO EARLY
COYI— Donna Dallison (@DonnaDallison) September 25, 2019
good man
— Erik Irons (@Erik_XVI) September 25, 2019
RIP Dylan. Gone but never forgotten
— Tony Pezzolesi (@TonyHammer61) September 25, 2019
Big up the Dylan! RIP #COYI!!!
— Aten Ra (@IAttributes) September 25, 2019
West Ham fans, how special was it to see Tombides out on the pitch? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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