Wayne Rooney posts touching tribute to wife Coleen’s tragic sister Rosie on what would have been her 19th birthday
The footballer shared an emotional tribute to his wife's late sister on Instagram
WAYNE Rooney has shared a touching tribute to his wife Coleen's late sister Rosie on what would have been her 19th birthday.
The footballer remembered Coleen's adopted sibling with a sweet photo of them together, admitting he misses her "every day".
Rosie died aged 14 after battling brain disorder Rett syndrome, and Coleen regularly shares snaps of her in tribute.
In Wayne's snap, he's seen holding her in his arms as she smiles up at him in a pink tracksuit.
He wrote: ";Miss this face every day. Happy Birthday Rosie."
Coleen opted to post a throwback picture of wide-eyed Rosie as a toddler, wearing her hair in two bunches on either side of her head, as her poignant tribute yesterday.
An embroidered handkerchief which rested at the bottom of the picture wrote in pink thread: "Remembering our angel Rosie," followed by the dates: "2.2.98 - 5.1.13."
Deciding against adding any words in the caption, loving sister Coleen simply tagged two Emoji love hearts and an image of an angel.
Fans of the WAG quickly offered their sympathy and memories on her social media page.
one wrote: "Thinking of you all," with the same Emoji angel while another recalled: "I remember looking after her in Alder Hey.
"Gorgeous girl, beautiful family xx Thinking of you all xx."
Another added: "Little angel gone but never forgotten," while one posted: "My thoughts and love are with all of you and your family you are such a thoughtful sister."
One of Coleen's followers sent the sweet message: "Her memory lives on in everything you do for the hospice."
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In 2006 Coleen appeared alongside Sir Trevor McDonald in a documentary about Rett syndrome, which is a genetic disorder.
She also acts as an ambassador for Alder Hey Children's Charity, the Liverpool medical facility where wheelchair-bound Rosie, who was unable to walk or talk, was treated.
Back in 2008, she went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes with Rosie, along with her mum Colette and dad Tony.
They visited the religious site famed for its healing powers and a source told the : "She is known for her limitless shopping sprees but seeing her here shows a completely different side to her.
"Rosie was clearly enjoying herself - and that is the happiest thing in the world for Coleen."
What is Rett syndrome?
- Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development
- It results in severe mental and physical disability
- It is thought to affect around one in 12,000 girls born each year
- It is rarely found in males
- The condition is believed to be caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene, which is found on the X chromosome
- It is classified in four stages - early signs, regression, plateau and deterioration of movement
- Early signs include low muscle tone, difficulty feeding delay in speech development and jerky limb movements
- The third stage can start anywhere from aged two to 10 and results in seizures and abnormal heart rhythms
- Blood tests can be used to identify the condition.
Source: www.nhs.co.uk
A statement released at the time of Rosie's death said Coleen, her husband Wayne and the rest of their family had been left "heartbroken."
It said: "She was such a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all.
"We shall cherish forever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us each and every day of her life."
Coleen later took to Twitter to write: "Thank you so much for all your lovely messages and kind words. We are absolutely heart broken to have lost our angel Rosie.
"So glad we ended our holiday short, due to her deteriorating & we was able to spend the last few days together with her an our family! Sleep tight Rosie Mc x. We love you more than words can say x."