Coleen Rooney has shared a poignant message to mark what would have been the 20th birthday of her younger sister Rosie.
The pregnant star took to Instagram on Friday, 2 February to celebrate Rosie’s special day, five years after she passed away from a rare neurological disorder.
Coleen, 31, shared a beautiful picture of Rosie smiling for the camera which she captioned: “Happy 20th birthday to our angel.”
She added a love heart emoji to sign off the message.
Her fans were quick to join her in sending birthday wishes to Rosie, who was just one month shy of her 15th birthday when she died.
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One fan wrote: “Happy Birthday Gorgeous Rosie. Sleep peacefully.”
Another said: “Aw lovely beautiful girl thinking of your family today.”
A third added: “Sending love strength and hugs to you all. God bless Rosie Happy Birthday-gorgeous girl.”
And a fourth said: “Beautiful and will be forever in your heart.”
Lizzie Cundy also sent a message, telling Coleen: “Beautiful girl. Thinking of you all.”
Rosie passed away in 2013 following a life-long battle with a rare genetic disorder called Rett syndrome, which can affect brain development.
It can lead to severe mental and physical impairment.
Coleen has kept her beloved sister’s memory alive over the years by frequently paying tribute to her on social media.
She marked the anniversary of Rosie’s passing on January 5 by posting an image of her sibling’s name spelled out in lights, alongside a pink heart emoji for the caption.
Following the teenager’s death in 2013, Coleen and her family released a statement saying they were “heartbroken” to lose Rosie.
“She was such a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all,” said the family.
“We shall cherish forever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us each and every day of her life.”
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Both Coleen and husband Wayne worked to raise awareness for Rosie’s condition and have continued to raise money for sick children over the years.
Coleen is currently pregnant with her fourth child.
She and Everton player Wayne are already parents to sons Kai, seven, Klay, four, and two-year-old Kit.