Footballer Rio Ferdinand's wife dies after battle with cancer
The wife of Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand died from breast cancer on Friday night (May 1).
The former Manchester United and England player released a statement that said: "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 added: "She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children... She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration."
Ferdinand also thanked their families, friends and his club colleagues "who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months".
He also thanked the medical team at the Royal Marsden.
Ferdinand said: "Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten."
Source: BBC, Mail Online, QPR
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