The mother of Rio Ferdinand has died after a battle with cancer. Janice St Fort (centre, bottom left, inset and right), 58, died in hospital on Thursday with her family at her bedside. The tragic news comes just two years after Rio lost his wife (top left) through cancer - something which he spoke movingly about in the BBC documentary ' Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad ' earlier this year. His mother featured in the documentary.
A statement issued by Rio, Anton and the family described Mrs St Fort as a 'devoted mother' and 'an inspiration'. 'We are heartbroken to announce that our amazing mum Janice passed away today after an ongoing battle with cancer,' said the statement. '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.'