Ferdinand’s wife, . Just two years later, the mother of the former England defender lost her battle with cancer.

She died in hospital on Thursday, July 13 with her family at her bedside.

The 58-year-old died at Guy’s Cancer Unit, London Bridge Hospital and is survived by her husband Peter and children.

She is also the mother of Anton, a former Premier League defender who played for West Ham, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.

Rio and Anton are the only children from a relationship with their dad Julian before she married  Peter to have another to children, a daughter, Sian and son, Jeremiah.

Ferdinand opens up about losing his wife

“We are heartbroken to announce that our amazing mum Janice passed away today after an ongoing battle with cancer,” a statement from the family reads.

“She was a devoted mother to us all, and she was the most incredible grandmother to our children,” the statement continued.

“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.”