The wife of former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand has died from
cancer.
The QPR defender, 37, released a statement saying his "wonderful wife and soul mate"
Rebecca Ellison had "passed away peacefully" at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Ms Ellison, who married Ferdinand in 2009, had breast cancer.
She leaves behind three children, aged nine, six and four.
In a statement, Ferdinand said she died on Friday night.
"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."
Ferdinand expressed gratitude to the staff at the Royal Marsden hospital. "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," the statement continued.
"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."
A QPR club statement added:
"The thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers are with
Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time."
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