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West Ham United remember Kent schoolboy Jack Howard with tributes during Premier League clash with Burnley

More than 50,000 football fans stood up for a minute's applause in memory of a young boy who died after a brave second battle with cancer.

Hartley lad Jack Howard, 13, passed away last Monday after weeks of pioneering treatment in Los Angeles failed to cure his kidney cancer.

He received support from all over the world as he fought to beat the disease, including from his beloved West Ham United, and the club paid tribute to the Gravesend Grammar School student during their Premier League clash with Burnley last night.

Jack Howard, before he got ill, in his school uniform
Jack Howard, before he got ill, in his school uniform

Supporters on both sides applauded Jack throughout the 13th minute of the match and his siblings, younger brother Callum and little sister Lucy, got to be the mascots.

Parents Nick and Zoe were also at the London Stadium, where the home side did Jack proud by pulling off a vital 1-0 win and pull away from the relegation zone.

West Ham had been vital to the family's efforts to raise £250,000 to help pay for Jack's treatment and accommodation in the States, with co-chairman David Sullivan donating £5,000 to the cause.

(L/R): Jack's dad Nick, brother Callum, sister Lucy, and mum Zoe. Picture: West Ham United
(L/R): Jack's dad Nick, brother Callum, sister Lucy, and mum Zoe. Picture: West Ham United

Jack's face was beamed onto the big screen at the London Stadium during a Premier League match against Southampton in September, as fans of both clubs dropped thousands of pounds into collection buckets outside the ground.

Two of Jack's Hammers heroes, Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram, called him on Facetime while he was in hospital and paid tribute to him last week.

Payet said: “I really enjoyed our conversation with Jack a few weeks ago, so it’s very sad news. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped treat him and wish his family well.”

Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram call Jack in hospital. Picture: West Ham United
Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram call Jack in hospital. Picture: West Ham United

West Ham co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter to send his condolences to Jack's family.

He wrote: "I am truly saddened to hear the news that brave young hammer Jack Howard has lost his fight with cancer.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with West Ham United are with Jack’s loved ones at this sad time."

Jack's classmates at Gravesend Grammar also had a record breaking West Ham-themed non-uniform day, which raised £6,400.

His funeral takes place later today.

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