Kate Wright has shared a touching tribute to Rio Ferdinand’s mum, Janice St Fort after she tragically passed away from cancer on Thursday.
The Towie star took to Instagram and uploaded a quote which read: “Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed.”
The caption alongside it said: “She’s Royal 🙏🏻💜”.
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Hundreds of her 658,000 followers rushed to show their support for the former England footballer.
“So sad thoughts are with all the family 💕💕”, said one.
Another added: “Thinking of rio and the children at this extremely sad time. Stay strong for them Katie. 💔”
“Wish cancer would leave their poor family alone like they havent suffered enough thought with rio and the boys xxxxxxx”, said a third.
Rio and his family announced the devastating news that Janice had passed in a heartbreaking statement.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our amazing mum Janice passed away today after an ongoing battle with cancer,” it 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, her four children, 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.”
Janice was only 17 when she had Rio, but he has described her as “a strong girl”.
“Her Irish mum walked out on the family home in Bermondsey when she was eight.
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“She was one of six kids, but they all mucked in to help their father run the house.
“She was also magnificent on our estate. When our neighbour called me the n-word, Mum kicked her door down, dragged her out of her house and made her apologise to me.”
We’re sending huge love to Rio and his family during this sad time.