Seven-year-old Isla Caton has died after a five-year battle with cancer, her family have confirmed.
Tributes have poured in from around the world of football and beyond after news of her sad passing was shared by her family on Tuesday morning.
Isla had been suffering from neuroblastoma, a rare form of child cancer, for five years and had inspired the club, players and supporters to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to help fund treatment for her in the UK and Spain.
Her family said: "It is with the heaviest of broken hearts that we must announce Isla gained her angel wings early hours of this morning, it was very peaceful and surrounded by the continued love of Nicola, Michael & Millie.
"God bless our brave Isla."
West Ham have led the way with tributes to Isla. A club statement read: "Everyone in the West Ham United family has been left heartbroken by the passing of brave young Hammer Isla Caton.
"Rest in peace brave, beautiful Isla, you were an inspiration to us all."
The club added: "Sadly, Isla's fight has come to an end, but her memory and legacy will live on forever."
Club captain Mark Noble said: "It was devastating to hear the news that Isla has passed away and, on behalf of everyone at the Club, I’d like to express my sadness and send condolences to Nikki, Michael and Isla’s loved ones at this time.
"I was first introduced to Isla when I carried her out as our mascot for our Premier League game against Bournemouth in January 2018, and it was immediately clear that she was a very special little girl.
"Isla’s incredible bravery and positivity shone through every time I met her, she had a fantastic smile and a love of life that was inspirational. Her battle caught the imagination of us all – the players, the fans, the staff and the board, as well as fans of other clubs.
"The fact that she fought for so long shows just how courageous she was. Something like this makes you realise how cruel and unfair life can be, but also how important it is to be grateful for what we have. Isla managed to inspire so many people, and we are all privileged to have known her.
"Her passing has left all of us feeling heartbroken and empty, but Isla will never be forgotten. She will be one of the West Ham family forever. Rest in peace, little Isla."
A number of current and former Hammers players, and people linked to the club, have left messages of condolence for Isla's family.
Everyone at football.london would like to express their condolences to Isla's family at hearing the devastating news of her passing.
