Rio Ferdinand loses wife Rebecca to cancer

QPR defender says his soul mate slipped away last night

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand lost his better-half Rebecca after she lost her battle to cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Saturday.

His club, Queens Park Rangers (QRP), issued a statement on his behalf on their official website which read:

"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.

"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 thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers Football Club are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time.