Rachel Borthwick was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2021 and sadly passed away in March of this year at the age of 37
Graham pictured with Rachel.
Former Ireland U21 footballer Graham Carey has shared a moving tribute to his late wife Rachel as their young daughter, Marlowe, celebrated a huge milestone this week.
Rachel Borthwick passed away on Sunday, March 22, following a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.
The mum-of-two received her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis after discovering a lump in September 2021. She died in Delhi, India, with her parents present, having journeyed to the country seeking additional treatment options.
Graham, who is from Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin and plays for Dunfermline Athletic, announced her tragic death a few days later.
Rachel Borthwick(Image: gcarey10 / Instagram)
In a moving social media tribute, the former Republic of Ireland U21 and Bohemian FC player wrote: “Our babies will always remember how unbelievably strong and brave you have been until the very end.
“I know you will always be looking down on them, protecting them, and guiding them. They can take some comfort that their mummy is no longer in any pain and can now rest in peace.
“We will always love you more than you could ever know.”
Last weekend, the Carey family celebrated a special milestone as the couple’s daughter daughter Marlowe made her first Holy Communion, with Graham paying tribute to Rachel on the special day.
Sharing pictures of the occasion on Instagram, Graham wrote: “What a beautiful day celebrating my beautiful baby Marlowe’s holy communion.
“Mummy was definitely watching down on us today, and we so wish she could have been here to see how beautiful you were today Marlowe.
“Such a lovely day with family and friends but yet empty without mummy been there.”
Graham Carey with his daughter Marlowe as she celebrates making her First Holy Communion (Image: Instagram/Graham Carey)
Rachel, 35, from North Lanarkshire, discovered a tumour in March 2023 just 12 months after completing her treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. She had previously been informed her cancer had become undetectable, reports the Daily Record.
Tragically, additional tumours were subsequently found. Her sister Sarah described how Rachel mounted a “brave and relentless battle” spanning more than four years.
In an online statement, she wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share an update about our beloved Rachel. On Sunday, March 22 at 11.06pm local time, Rachel passed away peacefully at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, India, with her parents by her side.
“Rachel fought an incredibly brave and relentless four-and-a-half-year battle with triple-negative breast cancer. She faced every challenge with strength, courage, and without complaint, giving everything she had for as long as she could. Sadly, the cancer was very aggressive and had progressed significantly, and in the end it became too much for her body to endure.
Mum-of-two Rachel Borthwick passed away in March at the age of 37 after a battle with breast cancer
“Rachel made the decision to travel to India for treatment because she believed there were no further options available to her in the UK. She was determined to keep fighting for as long as possible-for herself, and most importantly, for her children. That determination, hope, and love defined her until the very end.”
Sarah added: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Rachel was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, auntie, niece, cousin and friend, and the space she leaves behind can never be filled. We want to thank everyone who has supported Rachel throughout her journey-through donations, messages, prayers, and kindness. It meant more to her, and to all of us, than we can ever truly express.
“Please continue to keep Rachel and her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
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