Rio Ferdinand praised as a 'hero' and a 'warrior' by fans as he opens up about losing his wife to cancer
Rio Ferdinand has been hailed as a "warrior" after speaking up about his wife in a poignant BBC documentary.
Fans on social media praised him for his powerful account of losing his wife Rebecca to cancer and raising their three children without her.
She died aged 34 in 2015, weeks after being diagnosed with the disease for a second time.
The documentary was broadcast on Tuesday, and public figures, celebrities and other fans spoke up to praise his bravery.
Boxer Tony Bellew said Mr Ferdinand was "inspiring", telling the star: "I have no words for the admiration I have for you or the bravery you are showing everyday... my heart goes out to you."
Still not seen it, then let this be the only thing you watch today. Thank you @rioferdy5 for telling your story �� https://t.co/9ZvYCtyyH2
— Ore Oduba (@OreOduba) March 29, 2017
Actress Tamzin Outhwaite said: "So much respect. What a wonderful man and father you are. Well done for going on that journey You are a warrior... you should be so proud of yourself."
Former England cricketer Graeme Swann said he had "enormous respect" for Ferdinand after watching the programme, while broadcaster Aled Jones said the account was "truly incredible", adding: "You are an amazing person Rio."
‘I never contemplated suicide - but I can understand it now’ - #RioFerdinand opened up about the pain of losing his wife
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 29, 2017
Lord Sugar described the programme as "very moving".
Mrs Ferdinand was first treated for breast cancer in 2013 and the disease returned in an aggressive form in March 2015.
The footballer said the three months his wife spent in hospital were "incredibly difficult".
"I felt almost betrayed by the diagnosis, betrayed by the illness because you think, 'you got it once, you are not going to get it again, surely'.
The help you will have given so many people last night @rioferdy5 is going to be immeasurable.Of all the trophies you won that's your best !
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2017
"You feel like, how can you get that type of luck. You don't think the worst-case scenario can happen."
She died within 10 weeks of the diagnosis, leaving her family with little time to prepare for her loss.
The couple's children were aged four, six and nine at the time.
The documentary followed Mr Ferdinand as he met other families coping with bereavement and looked at the support given to parents and children who lose loved ones.
Very brave of @rioferdy5 to make that documentary . Very moving . I wish him and his kids all the best for the future. https://t.co/5pVOto2NvV
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) March 28, 2017
Many praised him for telling his story in a way that will help others going through similar tragedies.
Phillip Schofield tweeted: "That was amazing. You'll have helped so many people."
Comedian John Bishop said he had "total respect" for Ferdinand, adding it was "moving and informative and something that will help others I am sure".
Before the programme's broadcast, the former Leeds, Manchester United and West Ham star hit out at the Government, saying it is "wrong" to cut back the time widowed parents can receive bereavement benefits.