Former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Amy Carr, 34, has been given just six to nine months to live after doctors discovered her brain tumour had returned. The ex-England youth international collapsed more than a decade ago, initially dismissed as a panic episode, before later learning she had a life-threatening condition.
Amy Carr’s Collapse and Initial Diagnosis
Amy Carr, who earned 16 caps for England U17 and U19, was first diagnosed with a grade four astrocytoma in 2015. The diagnosis came after she collapsed in her bedroom upon seeing a spider. At first, doctors attributed the blackout to a phobia, but two further collapses at the gym led to an MRI that revealed the tumour.
The former Reading, Arsenal, and Chelsea star underwent brain surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. For nearly a decade, she believed she had beaten the disease.
Tumour Regrowth and Heartbreaking Prognosis
Last year, after a routine check-up, Carr began to experience blurred vision and slurred speech. A follow-up MRI revealed the devastating truth: her tumour had regrown.
On August 15, 2025, specialists at University College London Hospital informed Amy that she is terminally ill, giving her just months to live. The news came only weeks before she was due to take a long-planned 10-day cruise through Naples, Florence, and Santorini with her best friend.
Cancelled Cruise and Insurance Battle
Amy was forced to cancel her dream holiday after being denied travel insurance due to her deteriorating health. She and her best friend Lucy Baker say cruise provider Iglu has refused to refund the £4,000 trip, despite being shown medical proof of Amy’s condition.
“I’m beyond disappointed with Iglu and their lack of care,” Amy said, explaining that the company has not even offered a voucher or apology.
Lucy added that the cruise was meant to be an accessible way for Amy to see Italy, a destination she had always dreamed of visiting. Amy even paid an additional £800 to bring a wheelchair on board—an amount later refunded.
A Decade-Long Battle with Brain Cancer
Amy’s struggle with illness began in 2013, when early symptoms appeared. By July 2015, her tumour had become malignant, leading to an awake craniotomy.
The surgery left her unable to walk or talk for more than a week, and when she did speak again, it was temporarily in her GCSE-level French. Over time, the condition has affected her coordination, memory, and even aspects of her personality.
Despite years of resilience and treatment, her latest prognosis has left her and loved ones devastated.
The Road Ahead for Amy Carr
For nearly 10 years, Amy Carr lived cancer-free, defying the odds after being given a 95% survival chance following surgery. Her story is now one of courage and heartbreak as she faces her most difficult battle.
Friends and supporters continue to rally around her, while her ongoing dispute with Iglu remains unresolved. As her condition progresses, Amy hopes her story raises awareness about the challenges athletes face beyond their sporting careers.
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