Grieving Rio Ferdinand and girlfriend Kate Wright enjoy a stroll with his daughter Tia as their relationship deepens following sad death of his mother

  • Janice St Fort, mother of Rio, died aged 58 after a battle with cancer
  • The sports star's younger sister and girlfriend Kate Wright honoured the late matriarch partaking in Cancer Research UK's  Race For Life
  • Tragic news for Rio comes just two years after losing his wife Rebecca to disease
  • The former footballer's mother helped him through the death of his wife in 2015
  • Rio was scheduled to play in the Star Sixes exhibition tonight but has withdrawn 

Rio Ferdinand's relationship with girlfriend Kate Wright appears to be growing in strength as they enjoyed a stroll in London with his daughter Tia. 

Kate, 26, has no doubt been a huge support to the former footballer, 38, and his family, following the shock death of his mother to cancer, just over a week ago, aged just 58.  

Janice St Fort had helped Rio through the death of his wife Rebecca, also from cancer in 2015, and Kate and her boyfriend's sister Sian, 24, took part in Cancer Research UK's Race For Life on Sunday in memory of her.

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Support: Grieving Rio Ferdinand and girlfriend Kate Wright enjoyed a stroll with his daughter Tia, five, as their relationship deepens following sad death of his mother Janice

Support: Grieving Rio Ferdinand and girlfriend Kate Wright enjoyed a stroll with his daughter Tia, five, as their relationship deepens following sad death of his mother Janice

Doing what she can: Kate, 26, has no doubt been a huge support to the family following the shock death of Rio's mother to cancer, just over a week ago, aged just 58

Doing what she can: Kate, 26, has no doubt been a huge support to the family following the shock death of Rio's mother to cancer, just over a week ago, aged just 58

Rio and Kate, who have been dating since the start of the year, took his daughter Tia, five, out for breakfast in South London together, before walking the dog.

Proving how close they have become, Kate and Rio each held Tia's hand as they walked along happily. 

Kate, who works out every day, looked fantastic in black workout gear and trainers, with her blonde locks tied up in a ponytail. 

Sweet gesture: Proving how close they have become, Kate and Rio each held Tia's hand

Sweet gesture: Proving how close they have become, Kate and Rio each held Tia's hand

Al fresco dining: The group headed for a spot of breakfast as they made the most of the sunshine

What can I get you? The group perused the menu before making their choices 

What can I get you? The group perused the menu before making their choices 

What a gent: Rio picked up Kate's Gucci bag for her as they set off after their meal 

What a gent: Rio picked up Kate's Gucci bag for her as they set off after their meal 

I'll take this for you: No doubt Tia has built a good relationship with Kate since losing her mother 

I'll take this for you: No doubt Tia has built a good relationship with Kate since losing her mother 

Her eyes were hidden behind designer shades and she sweetly let Tia hold her Gucci holdall for her, with Rio gently placing it upon her shoulder. 

A source told The Sun: 'They looked very comfortable, like a couple who’ve known each other a while.

'Rio looked quite pensive, and very conscious of looking after his daughter — and Kate was helping.

How good does she look? Kate showed off her trim frame in all-black workout gear 

How good does she look? Kate showed off her trim frame in all-black workout gear 

Getting things done: Kate was later joined just by Rio as she took her dog for a walk

Getting things done: Kate was later joined just by Rio as she took her dog for a walk

Taking her hand: Kate appears to have grown rather close to Tia as she led the way

Taking her hand: Kate appears to have grown rather close to Tia as she led the way

Easy does it: Kate and Rio, who have been dating since the start of the year, appeared rather relaxed in one another's company

Easy does it: Kate and Rio, who have been dating since the start of the year, appeared rather relaxed in one another's company

Relaxed: Rio wore a camo print tee with sporty shorts and trainers for the outing

Relaxed: Rio wore a camo print tee with sporty shorts and trainers for the outing

Another source told the publication: 'Losing his mum was heartbreaking for him and the kids. Kate is trying to be supportive, while also giving him space to grieve. But it is telling he has welcomed her at such a difficult time.'

Kate has recently started showing her support for the family in a public fashion, after the pair kept a fairly low-profile in recent months. 

She recently paid a heartfelt tribute to Janice on Instagram following her passing. 

There for them: Kate recently paid a heartfelt tribute to Janice on Instagram following her passing as she showed her support publicly 

There for them: Kate recently paid a heartfelt tribute to Janice on Instagram following her passing as she showed her support publicly 

Quality time: She accompanied Tia into a novelty shop as they got to know one another more 

Quality time: She accompanied Tia into a novelty shop as they got to know one another more 

A normal day: They later headed into a newsagents to pick up some refreshments

A normal day: They later headed into a newsagents to pick up some refreshments

Off they go! The group looked like any other family as they headed to their next destination

Off they go! The group looked like any other family as they headed to their next destination

Cute: Tia kindly carried Kate's Gucci bag for her as they continued holding hands 

Cute: Tia kindly carried Kate's Gucci bag for her as they continued holding hands 

The TOWIE star also raced the 5km race in London's Hyde Park head on alongside her other half's sibling while wearing pink vests which featured a picture of Janice. 

Documenting the charitable cause on Instagram, Sian shared a short clip of her and the reality starlet walking while holding onto a purple flower as they helped raise vital funds for the worthwhile cause.

Rio's younger sister Sian opened up on her Instagram and revealed her mother's tragic passing was her inspiration for signing up to take part in the race - which fundraisers money that goes towards beating all 200 types of cancer affecting both men and women. 

She wrote: 'As I write this message a tear drops down, mummy the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my 24years of living is having to say goodnight to you.. holding your hand kissing your cheek as you took your last breath was a heartache I’ll never forget, but to know your not in any pain or suffering will be the biggest relief.'

In memory: Kate, 26, and her boyfriend's sister Sian, 24, took part in Cancer Research UK's Race For Life on Sunday in memory of the late matriarch - who lost her battle with cancer aged 58

In memory: Kate, 26, and her boyfriend's sister Sian, 24, took part in Cancer Research UK's Race For Life on Sunday in memory of the late matriarch - who lost her battle with cancer aged 58

Footballer Rio Ferdinand (left) has been left heartbroken after the death of his 'devoted' mother (right) from cancer - just two years after his wife tragically lost her battle against breast cancer

By his side: Rio has been left heartbroken after the death of his 'devoted' mother (right) from cancer - just two years after his wife tragically lost her battle against breast cancer

Honour: The TOWIE star - who has been linked with the former England footballer since the beginning of the year - faced the 5km race in London's Hyde Park head on alongside her other half's sibling while wearing pink vests which featured a picture of Janice

Honour: The TOWIE star - who has been linked with the former England footballer since the beginning of the year - faced the 5km race in London's Hyde Park head on alongside her other half's sibling while wearing pink vests which featured a picture of Janice

'I love you so much mummy! I wish I could have said more spent more and done more with you but I know you’ll always be with me.

Before emotionally adding: 'Mummy me and Katie completed the 5K in honour of you today & we know you was with us every step of the way.'

Other stars joining in on the worthwhile cause - which has raised almost £790 million over the last 22 years - included Stacey Solomon and Game of Thrones star Laura Pradelska. 

Heartfelt: Following the race, Sian shared her medal and loving photo of her mother as they honoured her

Heartfelt: Following the race, Sian shared her medal and loving photo of her mother as they honoured her

Lending support: Other stars joining in on the worthwhile cause - which has raised almost £790 million over the last 22 years - included Stacey Solomon and Game of Thrones star Laura Pradelska

Lending support: Other stars joining in on the worthwhile cause - which has raised almost £790 million over the last 22 years - included Stacey Solomon and Game of Thrones star Laura Pradelska

United: The Loose Woman panellist jogged the 5K for the worthwhile cause alongside the actress

United: The Loose Woman panellist jogged the 5K for the worthwhile cause alongside the actress

Proud: Stacey proudly posed with her medal after finishing the charitable run

Proud: Stacey proudly posed with her medal after finishing the charitable run

The united front with his family comes after she paid tribute to boyfriend Rio's mother in a touching Instagram post on July 14.

The reality TV bombshell shared a picture which read: 'Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed,' after she passed away following a battle with cancer

She captioned the image with the words: 'She's Royal,' in a public tribute.  

'Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed': Kate Wright paid tribute to boyfriend Rio Ferdinand's 'devoted' mother following her death from cancer aged 58 on Thursday

'Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed': Kate paid tribute to boyfriend Rio's 'devoted' mother following her death from cancer earlier this month

Kate and Rio have been linked since January but have largely remained tight-lipped over their relationship.  

The blonde was seen on a rare date night with her boyfriend, 38, at the upscale sushi restaurant Roka in Canary Wharf. 

This comes after their first public sighting at the beginning of July where Kate was seen flashing a beaming smile at the footie star as they indulged in a few drinks and a bite to eat in the sunshine. He is also said to have recently introduced her to his friends. 

Both Rio and Kate shared similar snaps of them wearing Yeezy trainers with his three children on Instagram - proving she has met his family. 

If the shoe fits...:  Rio and Kate shared similar snaps of them wearing Yeezy trainers with his three children on Instagram - proving she has met his family

If the shoe fits...: Rio and Kate shared similar snaps of them wearing Yeezy trainers with his three children on Instagram - proving she has met his family

Pur-shoeing a romance: The former Manchester United player also shared the same snap - albeit in a different pose - proving that he had finally introduced the busty blonde to his children - Lorenz, 10, Tate, 8 and Tia, 6

Pur-shoeing a romance: The former Manchester United player also shared the same snap - albeit in a different pose - proving that he had finally introduced the busty blonde to his children - Lorenz, 10, Tate, 8 and Tia, 6

No doubt the reality star will be a huge support to the heartbroken star who 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 on Thursday 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.

The tragic news comes just two years after Rio lost his wife (right) through cancer - something he spoke movingly about in the BBC documentary

Heartbreaking: The tragic news comes just two years after Rio lost his wife (right) through cancer - something he spoke movingly about in the BBC documentary

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.'

Rio Ferdinand breaks down during the filming of the BBC documentary about losing his wife

Honest: Rio Ferdinand broke down during the filming of the BBC documentary about losing his wife

Ferdinand posed for this picture with his mum on mother's day in 2015

His special lady: Ferdinand posed for this picture with his mum on mother's day in 2015

'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.

Rebecca Ellison, wife of Rio, tragically lost her life to breast cancer in 2015

So sad: Rebecca Ellison, wife of Rio, tragically lost her life to breast cancer in 2015

Pictured, Ferdinand with his half brother, Jeremiah and half sister Sian as well as their mother

Pictured: Ferdinand with his half brother, Jeremiah and half sister Sian as well as their mother

Rio Ferdinand turns away from the camera and covers his eyes in an emotional interview

Telling his story: Rio Ferdinand turned away from the camera and covers his eyes in an emotional interview

Ferdinand's mother featured in March's BBC documentary Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad

An appearance: Ferdinand's mother featured in March's BBC documentary Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad

Gary Lineker, England's former record goal scorer, tweeted his support for the Ferdinand family

Gary Lineker, England's former record goal scorer, tweeted his support for the Ferdinand family

Rio revealed how he opened up to a friend about losing his wife Rebecca in a tearful conversation six months after her death.

The father-of-three said in the weeks following her death in May 2015 didn't 'look at himself' and instead focused on his children — sons Lorenz, then nine, Tate, then six, and daughter, Tia, just four. It was 'all about the school run, the basic stuff,' he said.

It was only when he was in Qatar with close friend Jamie later that year that Ferdinand broke down.

'It just triggered that chain of events and free flowing conversation that you start talking about feelings and stuff going forward and it was a release,' Ferdinand said. 

'All the first few months it was all about, like what am I going to do with the kids, the school run, just the basic stuff,' he added.

'And then obviously, the sorting out the funeral and making sure everyone's alright and you don't really look at yourself and you don't really think about chatting...'

His openness in the BBC documentary was lauded by celebrities and those struggling with similar anguish, and fans will hope it will have put him in a better place to cope with the crushing new blow.  

Mrs St Fort, whose maiden name was Lavender, was one of six children and grew up in south-east London. 

Her Irish mother left the family at an early age and she was largely raised by her father.

She began dating Julian Ferdinand, who hailed from St Lucia, as a teenager and they later had two children together, Rio and Anton. 

They lived on a council estate in Peckham and never married.

They later spilt up and Janice eventually married Peter St Fort, with whom she had a daughter, Sian and a son, Jeremiah.

Rio and Anton both went on to become professional footballers with West Ham. Rio, 38, later moved to Leeds and Manchester United and won 81 caps for England. 

Anton, 32, also had spells with Sunderland and QPR, among others, and is now at Southend.

Rio Ferdinand lost his wife, Rebecca Ellison, to breast cancer in 2015. 

He filmed a documentary, Being Mum and Dad, earlier this year about how he and his three children have coped with grief. 

Mrs St Fort featured in the documentary, and in it, she starts welling up and says: 'He's 100mph. I think that's how he gets through his day. He can't just stop.

'And I think it's because when he stops he has to think about his loss and his children's loss. 

'For me, I think that's his way of coping. I see him looking out the window, sitting in a chair in a daydream, and that's when I start feeling, "What's going on? What are you thinking about?".'

Talking in the immediate aftermath of losing his wife, Rio said: 'I’m sitting there thinking how can I ever be happy. I’m happy over here, but I look at my children and that brings me back to sadness again.

'I was ignorant myself, I was thinking no way am I going to go see a shrink. On this journey, I got a great understanding that there are some fantastic people out there who help.'

And while he did not contemplate suicide, Ferdinand said he had a better insight into those who consider it: 'I didn't think about it myself but I understand people who get into that situation.

'Before I'd think that guy is so ignorant and selfish. Now I wouldn't do it but I understand why he's there.'

Opening up on the brutal loss in the BBC documentary, he said: 'To put it into words and my kids at the time were nine, seven and four, and to break it down into little people's thinking and words in a way they can understand it, without being scarred, by that one little message that I give them, I hope I can give them a message that they can look back on and say, you know what he did that in the best way possible at that time.'

He also recalled another painful moment, when his son saw cards on the wall of the hospital thanking members of staff for their hard work, that highlighted to him how difficult it can be to translate things to children.

'I said that they [the cards] were thank you messages for staff up on the wall and he said "Well they didn't help my mum." 

'The way that kids just see things in black and white and that's it, his day went on, it hits home that I've got a lot of work to do,' Rio explained. 

Rio's brother Anton took to Instagram to pay an emotional tribute to his mother this evening. 

He posted a picture of them together with the caption: 'Today at 1.35pm I lost my loving caring and forever selfless mum. 

'Mum, for 32 years of my life you've done nothing but put me first, always cared and worried about others before yourself.

'An inspiration to me, my brothers, sister and husband Peter and anyone she had in her life. 

'Mum, we will still be having our talks in the morning when I'm on the way to work. 

'Thank you to all the staff at Guys cancer care for keeping my mum comfortable and pain free on her way to heaven to be with her father. 

'RIP Mum Love and miss you always mum your son. Anton xxx.'

Anton Ferdinand's emotional tribute to his mother after she passed away on Thursday

Paying his respects: Anton Ferdinand's emotional tribute to his mother after she passed away on Thursday

 

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