England’s Lioness hero and SPOTY winner Beth Mead left heartbroken after beloved mum dies of ovarian cancer
ARSENAL and England star Beth Mead has revealed the devastating news that her mum has passed away from ovarian cancer.
June Mead was diagnosed with the illness in 2021 and endured a lengthy battle with the disease.
Now she has heartbreakingly passed away, with Sports Personality of the Year winner Mead, 27, confirming the tragedy on Friday afternoon.
Speaking in an Instagram post alongside several family pictures, she said: “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 .”
In response to the post, Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth said: “Sending love to you all Meado .”
While Southampton defender Laura Rafferty replied with a host of heart emojis.
Mead was a talismanic figure in England’s Euros triumph last summer.
The Lioness claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards for her sensational displays.
In December, the Arsenal forward then went on to win the Sports Personality of the Year honour ahead of Ben Stokes and Eve Muirhead.
Speaking after winning the award, she said: “I’m incredibly honoured to win this award.
“I wouldn’t have done it without those girls, who backed me.
“Yes, I did my job and scored a few goals but I wouldn’t have done it without them, my mum, dad and all of my family.
“This is for women’s sport and for it heading in the right direction. So, let’s keep pushing the girls and keep doing the right things.
“The girls are like a family away from home and when things at home haven’t been great, they supported me so well.”