DAVID BECKHAM CONSOLES RIO FERDINAND ON THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE.

                                           

David Beckham is among thousands of people who have sent their condolences to Rio Ferdinand after his wife Rebecca died following a short battle with breast cancer.

Beckham, who played alongside Ferdinand for Manchester United and England, said his and his wife Victoria's thoughts were with the Queens Park Rangers defender's family.

Writing on his Facebook page earlier today, former England captain Beckham said: 'Victoria & I are very sad to about the passing of Rebecca Ferdinand.

'Our thoughts are with Rio, their children and Rebecca's family at this time.' 

Dozens of other stars sent heartfelt messages to Ferdinand, including Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker.

Ferdinand said this morning that his 'soulmate slipped away last night' as he announced Rebecca's death. 

Mother-of-three Rebecca, 34, died at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London following a short battle with cancer. 

A source close to Ferdinand, 36, said she had been diagnosed a number of months ago and, following treatment, it appeared she was clear of the disease.

However, it's believed she had a scan earlier this year which revealed the breast cancer had returned and spread to her bones.

The source said: 'She had been in remission for nine months, then signs of cancer were spotted in the scan. Rio said 'Money's no object' and they called on the best experts to help, but she died two months later.' 

In a statement on the QPR website, Ferdinand 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. 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.' 

Celebrities to join Beckham in sending their condolences to Ferdinand included Gary Lineker, as well as Manchester United greats Wayne Rooney and Peter Schmeichel.

Match of the Day presenter Lineker tweeted: 'Thoughts are with Rio Ferdinand and his family. How dreadfully sad.'

Rooney said: 'Devastated to hear about Rebecca. My prayers are with Rio and his family at this sad time.' 

His wife Coleen wrote: 'Can't believe I am actually writing this, absolutely devastated to hear the news about Rebecca. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio, their 3 beautiful children and family at this sad time.

'I have such Happy memories of a devoted and loving mum. Rest in peace Rebecca xx' 

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan posted: 'Incredibly sad news...Thinking of you @rioferdy5 and your young family.'

While TV presenter Eamonn Holmes wrote: 'Such sad news to wake up to ..The Death of @rioferdy5 's wife Rebecca after a short fight with Cancer. Condolences.'  

Dailymail