Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca Ellison dies from breast cancer
The footballer paid tribute to his 'soul mate'
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Your support makes all the difference.Rebecca Ellison, Rio Ferdinand’s wife, has died from breast cancer.
The Queens Park Rangers (QPR) footballer paid tribute to his "wonderful" wife in a statement released by the club on Saturday.
The couple married in 2009 and have three children together aged nine, six, and four.
'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," he said.
“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."
The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from leading figures in football. Gary Lineker led tributes in a message on Twitter, writing: "Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad".
Arsenal football club also posted: "Very sad news about Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca, who has sadly lost her battle with cancer. Rest in peace."
QPR players will wear black armbands on the pitch as a mark of respect to the family today. The club said its thoughts are with Ferdinand during this "immensely difficult time".
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