Rio Ferdinand: ‘If I had one more minute with Rebecca’
In a heartbreaking TV ad, ex-football star Rio Ferdinand reveals what he’d say to his late wife if he could…
‘I’d definitely ask her about what she wanted for the children growing up’
If you were given just one more chance to speak to a lost loved one, what would you say to them? This is the question posed in a powerful new video campaign, #onemoreminute, by charity Child Bereavement UK.
Among the famous faces who appear in the tear-jerking clip to share their personal stories is former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, 38.
Speaking about his wife and the mother of his three children, Rebecca, who he tragically lost to breast cancer in 2015 when she was just 34, the ex-Manchester United star struggled to control his emotions.
‘If I was able to have one more minute with her, I’d probably, well I’d definitely, ask her about what she wanted for the children growing up, at different stages, poignant moments in their development… tell her I love her.’
The deep voice then falters as Rio battles to get any more words out. After a pause and blinking back tears, he says simply, ‘There’s loads,’ with a bittersweet laugh.
The heart-wrenching clip follows Rio’s emotional documentary, Being Mum And Dad, which aired on the BBC earlier this year and gave an intimate look into his ongoing grief and the challenges he faces raising their children as a single dad.
The couple had Lorenz, 11, Tate, nine, and Tia, just six, together.
While Rio recently revealed he has taken up professional boxing to channel his pain, the BT Sport presenter broke down during the documentary as he shared concerns about his sons’ inability to talk about their heartache.
In the past year, Rio has found love again with ex- The Only Way Is Essex star Kate Wright, 26, who he’s been dating since January. Kate quit the show in April, revealing, ‘My priority right now is Rio and the family.’
As someone who’s been through so much, Rio must welcome the happiness she brings to him and his children.