Amy Carr, a former youth player for England and goalkeeper for clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea, has died at the age of 35 following a battle with a brain tumour, it was announced on Wednesday.
The England women’s football team paid tribute to Carr, who represented the nation at Under-17 and Under-19 levels. “We are heartbroken to hear that former England youth player Amy Carr has passed away aged 35,” a statement posted on the Lionesses’ X account read. “Amy, who was diagnosed with a second brain tumour in 2024, devoted her time to raising money for vital brain tumour research that could help others. She remains an inspiration to all.”
Carr was initially diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour in 2015 after experiencing a sudden blackout upon seeing a spider, prompting a visit to the doctor and subsequent MRI scan which revealed a tumour the size of a golf ball, according to Brain Tumour Research. She underwent a craniotomy to remove as much of the tumour as possible, but the procedure initially left her unable to walk or speak for eight days.
Despite the challenges, Carr continued to pursue her passion for football and later coached in Milton Keynes. She similarly played professionally for IL Sandviken in Norway before her initial diagnosis and had a football scholarship in the USA. Prior to her time in Norway, Carr played for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Reading.
In 2024, Carr completed the Dublin Marathon, raising £28,718 for Brain Tumour Research. The charity announced her death on social media, stating she had been diagnosed with a second brain tumour that year. “A former England youth international who played for clubs including Chelsea F.C. Women, Arsenal W.F.C. And Reading F.C. Women, Amy demonstrated remarkable strength and determination after being diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour in 2015,” the charity said. “We are so grateful for the awareness she raised and the difference she made.”
Chelsea F.C. Women also expressed their sadness at the news, posting on X: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Chelsea goalkeeper, Amy Carr. Our condolences are with Amy’s friends and family at this time.”
Last year, Carr was told her illness was terminal and that she had just six to nine months to live, according to the Daily Record.
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