An poignant homage to a former Lincoln City player’s late wife, who passed away three months after their wedding
Josh Vickers, a former Arsenal star and Derby County goalie, is devastated.
Josh Vickers, a former player for Lincoln City, offered a touching tribute to his wife after she passed away from cancer three months after they wed.
According to the Mirror, the devastated 27-year-old said of his wife Laura, “I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can’t find the right words to say and don’t know if I ever will,”
He continued: “On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer….Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories.
“We have cried, laughed and danced our way through some tough times. I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we meet to the moment you peacefully passed. I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day.
“Thank you to everyone that has supported myself and both families through this incredibly difficult time. Truly fortunate to have the most amazing family and friends! I Love You Always & Forever.”
Vickers started his career with Arsenal and left in 2015 without playing for the first team, and also spent time with Swansea, Lincoln and Rotherham. The Derby County goalkeeper followed ex-Rotherham boss Paul Warne to Pride Park over the summer and made his debut earlier this season.
On Saturday, Derby confirmed the keeper was left out of the squad for their game against Carlisle for personal reasons. The player’s team-mates walked onto the pitch holding a shirt bearing his name and number.
A number of fans shared tributes of their own after Derby posted a team photo on social media with the caption “For Josh”. “A club united behind @JoshVickers1 at this difficult time,” one supporter wrote.
Thoughts are with Josh and his family,” wrote another. “So very sorry for your loss, Josh. Heartbreaking. We are all here for you.”
The couple tied the knot in June after Vickers proposed in Canada last year. A number of his current and former teammates sent their condolences on social media.
Derby striker Martyn Waghorn wrote: “We are all with you mate” while Kane Wilson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing also expressed their support.
