Seven months after his baby daughter died, a Fife footballer has been left heartbroken after his partner lost her battle with cancer.
Cowdenbeath’s Dean Brett said that he was “proud” of the way that Gemma Porteous battled her illness after the 22-year-old succumbed on Tuesday.
It is the second tragedy to befall the footballer after one of the couple’s twin daughters died last summer.
Announcing the devastating news. Dean (22) said: “I just want to say how proud I am of my best friend and that I will always love her.
“Thanks for a brilliant six years, two amazing daughters and everything you have done for me. I miss you already.”
Gemma had been very open about her battle and regularly published updates and photographs on social media as she underwent treatment.
A tribute page on Facebook had attracted over 2,000 people in 24 hours, such was her popularity and the admiration for her conduct during her cancer fight.
The couple, from the Edinburgh area, experienced both joy and tragedy last summer when Gemma gave birth to twins Mollie and Mia.
The pair were born three months premature, with Mollie passing away after a three week battle for survival.
Tributes to Gemma continued to pour in on social media on Wednesday, with Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths among those offering his condolences.
“Sorry to hear about your loss. Keep the head up and be strong,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alex Anderson, the chief executive of Cowdenbeath FC, said that the news of Gemma’s death had devastated everybody at the club.
Confirming that its defender was now on compassionate leave, Mr Anderson said: “It has hit everybody at the club, including the players, very hard.
“It’s very, very sad news. The club will support Dean and the families in any way that we can.”