13 January 2023 , 13:07
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Arsenal and England footballer Beth Mead has confirmed her mother has passed away following a battle with ovarian cancer.
Mead took to social media on Friday to share the news that her mum, June, had died on January 7. The 27-year-old has spoken openly about how her mum's illness has impacted her sporting career following her diagnosis in 2021.
Posting on Instagram, Mead wrote: "Thought long and hard about what to write but there will never be any words that will do justice.
"At 1am on the 7th of Jan, our beautiful, kind, funny Mum & Wife passed away after a long & brave battle against Ovarian Cancer. She was surrounded by myself, my brother & dad as she passed away peacefully.
"Our hearts are broken, there will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel. If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together.
"Our family would appreciate some privacy during this difficult time. We love you lots, forever & always. RIP Mama."
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Mead has often spoken about her mum's influence during the early years of her football career. The Arsenal star - who has a younger brother called Ben who is an engineer - says her parents encouraged her to get into the sport to 'get rid of some extra energy'.
Ahead of December's Sports Personality of the Year Awards, which Mead subsequently won, she told BBC Sport : "Mum sacrificed so much, she worked two jobs. I wouldn't be where I am today without it.' "
She added: "At the end of the day, I've just been playing football while she's been battling one of the hardest diseases that is known to anyone, so my biggest motivation and biggest moment [of the year] is just my mum, my mum in general.
"The strength that my mum off the pitch has given me - it's been a difficult year for my family and for her individually - so she has been incredible.
"It was amazing to get the trophies and celebrate in front of all the fans but for me I couldn't wait to get round the stadium to then get to my mum, dad and brother and cherish and share that moment with them."
You can find more information on ovarian cancer from the NHS here.