Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca dies after short cancer battle
By Ryan Love
Footballer Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca has died after a short battle with cancer.
The Queen’s Park Rangers centre-back confirmed the tragic news in a short statement, posted on the club’s official website this morning (May 2).
Read the full statement below:
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.’
Rio, who played for Manchester United for 12 years until last year, married Rebecca in June 2009. They have two daughters and a son together.
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