Rio Ferdinand's 'wonderful wife and soulmate' passes away

Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca has died following a short battle with cancer.

Rio Ferdinand's 'wonderful wife and soulmate' passes away

Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca has died following a short battle with cancer.

“My soulmate slipped away last night,” the QPR defender said in a statement.

“Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London."

The statement continued: “She was a fantastic, loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.”

Former Manchester United centre-back and England captain Ferdinand, who won 81 caps for his country, expressed gratitude to the staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

“Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca’s parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months,” the statement continued.

“I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

“Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”

Ferdinand statement in full:

“My soul mate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

"She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

"Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca’s parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.

"I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

"Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.“

more courts articles

Prince Harry may be forced to settle claim against Sun publisher due to legal costs Prince Harry may be forced to settle claim against Sun publisher due to legal costs
Woman who stalked Harry Styles jailed and banned from his performances Woman who stalked Harry Styles jailed and banned from his performances
Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster

More in this section

Shelbourne issue lifetime ban to fan for throwing object at offical Shelbourne issue lifetime ban to fan for throwing object at offical
Aston Villa v Lille - UEFA Conference League - Quarter-Final - First Leg - Villa Park Emiliano Martinez stars as Aston Villa beat Lille on penalties
Bayern Munich v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League - Quarter-Final - Second Leg - Allianz Arena Arsenal eye Isak and Olise as Arteta aims to take next step
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited