Dylan Tombides will have his memory immortalised at England’s Olympic Stadium after EPL club West Ham United announced he’ll form part of the club’s memorial at their new ground.
The former Olyroo, who passed away in April 2014 after bravely battling testicular cancer, will have his name engraved on a stone outside the ground, which the Hammers will move to next season.
The honour was voted on by West Ham fans and is indicative of the special standing Tombides has at his former club despite only ever making one senior appearance.
“The dearly departed Dylan Tombides completes the line-up, as the second anniversary of his tragic passing approaches.
“The prodigiously talented Dylan, who lost his brave battle with testicular cancer in April 2014, will forever be remembered with great affection by the Club he loved,” read a statement on whufc.com.
Tombides will join West Ham’s World Cup winning trio Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters along with other club legends as part of the landmark.
The Perth-born striker joined the Hammers’ academy at the age of 15 and has also had his number 38 jersey retired by the London club.
A similar tribute stands outside Perth’s nib Stadium, which Glory unveiled in September last year.
The statue depicts Tombides’ special goal celebration tribute to his mother, where he revealed a shin-pad saying “Happy Birthday Mum” after scoring for the Joeys at U-17 World Cup in Mexico in 2011.
The statue’s inscription says Tombides “stands here as a symbol of inspiration, courage and determination”.
Dylan’s family has also established the DT38 Foundation, which is aimed at raising awareness on testicular cancer and to change the way it is diagnosed.
You can find out more on the foundation and donate at: dt38.co.uk
