Tributes pour in for former England, Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Amy Carr, who died of brain cancer.
Amy Carr was battling brain cancer (Image: James Linsell Clark/SWNS)
Former Chelsea and Arsenal female footballer Amy Kerr has died at the age of 35 after a long battle with brain cancer.
She was first diagnosed in 2015 after she blacked out after seeing a spider and an MRI scan revealed a tumor “the size of a golf ball.” Speaking to the BBC at the time, she said: “I knew I didn’t like spiders, but going black seemed like an extreme reaction. I’ve never reacted that way to anything before.”
Carr underwent craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and was unable to walk or speak for eight days. She then underwent radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and extensive physical therapy to rebuild her mobility and speech. This makes her final marathon performance all the more remarkable.
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In 2024, she ran the Dublin Marathon to raise money for brain tumor research, raising £28,718 to fund vital brain tumor research.
Last summer, Carr was told that his illness was terminal and was given a dire prognosis of six to nine months to live.
Brain Tumor Research paid tribute in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Amy Carr has passed away at the age of 35 after a battle with brain cancer.
“A former England youth international who played for clubs including Chelsea FC Women, Arsenal WFC and Reading FC Women, Amy showed incredible strength and determination after being diagnosed with an advanced brain tumor in 2015.
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“In 2024, she ran the Dublin Marathon to raise money for brain tumor research. In total, Amy raised a whopping £28,718 to help fund vital brain tumor research.”
“Our thoughts are with Amy’s family, friends and everyone who loved her. We are so grateful for the awareness she raised and the change she made.”
Amy Carr raises money for brain tumor research (Image: @brain_tumour_research/Instagram)
Another said: “So sad to learn of this. May Amy’s holy soul rest in peace,” while another wrote: “So sad, so young.”
Kerr represented England 16 times at youth level up to Under-19s, playing for Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading.
The former goalkeeper’s life will be celebrated in Hertforshire on March 23. The JustGiving page for brain tumor research is still accepting donations.
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