Salvador was diagnosed in September 2016 with a level four intramedullary (spinal) glioblastoma, which in Portugal is presently incurable.
It was his parents’ hope that treatment that is available in Portugal would stop the tumour from spreading for long enough to find an alternative treatment outside of the country.
Despite his parents’ tireless efforts and a wave of public solidarity, including a number of high-profile charitable events, football-loving Salvador lost his battle against the terrible disease last week.
In a facebook post dated 16 March they said: “Our Champion has gone on to another level where he will surely shine on other pitches. Your support was and will be a pillar to face the future. To all without exception, THANK YOU. We are proud and Salvador was certainly was proud of everything that was done, but unfortunately it was not in our hands to win the game.”
Readers might like to make a donation to Cancer research in Portugal in Salvador’s name. Click through to https://www.ligacontracancro.pt/com-um-donativo/ at the bottom right you will see ‘Núcleo Regional do Sul’ (the office for the south of Portugal) and then click on the grey panel REFERENCIA BANCARIA where you can donate. Speaking to The Portugal News on Thursday morning, they explained that donations are both greatly needed and appreciated.