Rio Ferdinand’s pain as his wife dies from breast cancer My soulmate slipped away last night... our family’s grief is total
Disease rare in one so young
nine, and Tate, seven, and daaughter Tia, four.
The couple wed in the British Virgin Islands in 2009.
Rebecca, who was an accountant, was very private and shunned the WAG lifestyle. Speaking publicly about her in a rare and touching insight shortly after their wedding, Rio said: “I thought, ‘I love my missus. I love my kids. It’s time to seal it’.”
Coleen Rooney tweeted: “Can’t believe I am actually writing this, absolutely devastated to hear the news about Rebecca. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio.”
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said: “Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad.”
Leanne Brown, wife of former Man U defender Wes Brown, wrote: “Such sad news. My thoughts r with you @rioferdy5 and all the family. Taken so sudden, an amazing mum and wife, Rebecca will be missed.”
Ex-United goalie Peter Schmeichel tweeted: “Really sad news.” breast cancer. But you don’t die from cancer in the breast as such, you die from the cancer spreading to a more vital organ.
If the breast cancer goes to a vital organ and treatment isn’t effective, the time from diagnosis to dying can be very short.
Our organisation is the only one in the UK providing specialist information for younger women.
Visit breastcancercare.org.uk or call 0808 800600