Rio Ferdinand has been left heartbroken by the death of his mother to cancer after she stood by his side through the turmoil of losing his wife just two years ago to the disease.
Janice St Fort, devoted mother to Rio, died in hospital at the age of 58 after losing her battle to breast cancer with her crushed family at her bedside.
The tragic news comes just two years after Rio lost his wife Rebecca through cancer – something he spoke movingly about in the BBC’s Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad earlier this year.
His mother featured in the documentary and provided strength for the former footballer who struggled bravely with the responsibility of raising his children without their mother being around.
A statement issued by Rio and the family nodded to Mrs St Fort’s role in helping the former footballer through the loss of his wife, saying: ‘Our mum was the centre and the heart of our family and has supported us all through many difficult times, always with a smile on her face.’
‘We are heartbroken to announce that our amazing mum Janice passed away today after an ongoing battle with cancer,’ the statement read.
‘She was an inspiration to us all and was loved by everyone who knew her. She died at Guy’s Cancer Unit, London Bridge Hospital, with her loving husband Peter and us, re, at her bedside.
‘She was a devoted mother to us all, and she was the most incredible grandmother to our children.
‘The whole family are devastated.
‘Our mum was the centre and the heart of our family and has supported us all through many difficult times, always with a smile on her face.
‘Her strength and courage, as well as her great sense of humour and immense kindness, were never-ending.
‘We would like to thank all the staff at Guy’s Cancer Unit for looking after our mum so well during her illness especially Marta and Joanna as well as everyone who has sent kind wishes to us all during this difficult time.’
Mrs St Fort was just 17 when she had Rio, and with their father playing little part in the brothers’ upbringing on a tough estate, her ability to instil discipline was crucial to their ability to keep out of trouble.
She was described as ‘the backbone of the family’ with one relative recalling: ‘If Janice told Rio to be home by 7pm, he’d be there by one minute to, or her voice would be echoing all over the estate.’
Just as the former Manchester United defender was coming to terms with the loss of Rebecca, his wife of six years, he has been hit with another hammer blow.
He was meant to feature in the Star Sixes exhibition tournament at the O2 in London tonight, but has withdrawn in light of the news.
In the emotional documentary which aired earlier this year, he admitted he had turned to alcohol to help him cope with the pain.
Rio’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 but had appeared to be clear of the cancer following treatment.
But cruelly, a scan in 2015 revealed it had returned and spread to her bones and she died just five weeks later on May 1.
The speed of the decline hit him so hard he spiraled into despair and he struggled to cope with the grief.
On top of the tragic loss, he now had to raise his three children without their mother.
