Second cancer tragedy for Rio Ferdinand as mum dies at 58 - 2 years after losing wife to same cruel disease

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Rio and Anton Ferdinand have been left 'heartbroken' after their 'devoted' mother passed away following a battle with cancer.
It is the second tragedy to have struck former England and Manchester United star Rio in the last two years after he was left devastated when his wife Rebecca Ellison tragically died from breast cancer back in May 2015.
Janice St Fort, 58, died in hospital on Thursday with her family at her bedside.
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, 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."
Anton penned an emotional tribute on his Instagram page saying she was an inspiration to the whole family and always put everyone else first.
He said: 'Today at 1.35pm I lost my loving caring and forever selfless mum. Mum for 32 years of my life uve 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 im 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'

Rio was also extremely close with his mother Janice who he described as a 'supermum' and played a major part in his upbringing.
Rio, speaking in an interview with the Guardian back in November 2014, said: “Mum was only 17 when she had me, but she was a strong girl.
“Her Irish mum walked out on the family home in Bermondsey when she was eight.
“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.”