Former England defender Rio Ferdinand announced this morning that his wife of six years and mother of his three children, Rebecca Ferdinard died in a hospital in London following a short battle with cancer.Ferdinand announced the sad news on the QPR's website this morning. He said: (more details inside)
'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.
More players offer condolences to Rio Ferdinand
Football players across the country have been offering words of support for Rio Ferdinand today.
QPR captain Joey Barton tweeted: "Just heard the terrible news. My heart goes out to @rioferdy5 and his family. RIP Rebecca."
Hoops goalkeeper Alex McCarthy wrote: "Devastating news about Rebecca Ferdinand... My thoughts go out to him and his family."
United players also took to Twitter to express their sympathy, with Ferdinand's former defensive partner Chris Smalling writing: "Incredibly sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with @rioferdy5 and his young family."
Adnan Januzaj wrote: "Very sad news to hear about @rioferdy5's wife Rebecca. My thoughts go out to his family at this tough time. Stay strong."
Goalkeeper David de Gea added: "Devastated after the heartbreaking news. My thoughts goes out to @rioferdy5, family and friends!"
'Last public picture' of Rebecca and Rio
Smiling happily, this is believed to be the last public picture of Rio Ferdinand after his wife Rebecca before she died.
The couple were at a fundraiser for United for Colitis, a charity that tackles Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease, in March last year.
Today, the heartbroken defender let the world know his beloved wife and mother of his children had lost her battle with cancer.
The event was held at Old Trafford in Manchester, where the QPR defender made his name as an outstanding centre back for the Red Devils.
Cancer charities offer support to Rio Ferdinand
Cancer charities have offered their support Rio Ferdinand in the wake of the sad news today.
Balls To Cancer, which campaigns to raise awareness about testicular cancer, tweeted a message of condolence to the former England and Manchester United star - who has raised a vast amount of money to fight the disease.
The tweet read: "Our thoughts and best wishes with @rioferdy5 and family after the loss of his wife from Cancer."
Stand Up To Cancer added: "We #StandUpToCancer for Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca who has sadly died from cancer. Our thoughts are with their friends and family
The QPR defender's charity, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, helped raise over £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust and disadvantaged kids at a Gala Dinner in London last year.
'Cant believe the news' - Michael Carrick's wife Lisa
Michael Carrick and his wife Lisa, understood to be friends of the Ferdinands, have told of their devastation at this tragedy.
The Man United star said his thoughts are with his former colleague at this "terribly sad time".
Lisa added: "Can't quite believe the news about Rebecca, heartbreaking, my thoughts go out to her beautiful children, family and Rio Ferdinand."
'Rebecca will be missed' - Wes Brown's wife Leanne
Another tribute here from the wife of Rio's former Man United teammate Wes Brown.
Leanne Brown described Rebecca as an "amazing mum".
Rebecca lost battle with breast cancer
Rio's wife Rebecca died after losing a short battle with breast cancer, we understand.
She was just 34.
The pair had been together for at least 10 years, marrying in 2009.
QPR players to wear black armbands
QPR players are to wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Rio Ferdinand and his wife's family today.
Rebecca Ellison passed away last night following a short battle with cancer.
QPR are due to take on Liverpool today at Anfield.
In a statement, the Reds wrote: "Liverpool FC offers its deepest condolences to Rio and his family and friends at this sad time."
Rio thanks Royal Marsden Hospital
Rio Ferdinand thanked staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London for their efforts to help Rebecca during her "short battle with cancer".
The hospital is a world leading centre for treating the disease.
A number of famous patients have been treated there including former Beatle George Harrison, singer Dusty Springfield and reality star Jade Goody.
Rio thanked two specific members of staff specifically in his statement.
We understand they were Professor Stephen Johnston, an expert in breast cancer, and Professor Peter Clarke, a consultant surgeon.
Friend Coleen Rooney 'absolutely devastated'
Coleen Rooney, wife of England captain Wayne, has been left "absolutely devastated" by Rebecca's death.
The pair were friends and Coleen wrote on Twitter a short time ago: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio"
Couple married in Caribbean wedding in 2009
Rebecca and Rio married in 2009, having dated for around seven years.
The ceremony was a private affair in the Caribbean on Peter Island, one of the British Virgin Islands.
His brother Anton was among the guests.
Couple had three children together
Rebecca and Rio Ferdinand had three children together.
Their oldest son Lorenz was born in 2006, a second son Tate in 2008 and a girl Tia in 2011.
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