Tributes pour in for Ferdinand’s wife
RIO FERDINAND haspaid tribute to his wife Rebecca Ellison following her death on Friday evening of cancer at the age of 34.
The former England captain and current Queens Park Rangers defender, 36, released a statement on Saturday, saying: “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.”
Ellison had previously had breast cancer and is understood to have had a lengthy period of remission from the disease before it returned in February. Friends from the world of football and beyond paid tribute and offered their condolences.
Ferdinand’s former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney said: “Devastated to hear about Rebecca. My prayers are with Rio and his family at this sad time.”
Rooney’s wife Coleen said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio, their three beautiful children and family at this sad time. I have such happy memories of a devoted and loving mum. Rest in peace Rebecca.”
Leroy Fer, Ferdinand’s QPR teammate, revealed his own message of support when he pulled up his shirt after scoring at Liverpool. The note on his T-shirt read: “Stay strong Family Ferdinand x”.
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure also used the social network to express his condolences, saying: “My sincere condolences to Rio and his family.” – Mail On Sunday