The partner of Irish footballer Graham Carey has sadly passed away aged 37 after a brave fight against cancer. Mum-of-two Rachel Borthwick died on Sunday, March 22 after receiving a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis after she discovered a lump in September 2021.

She died in Delhi, India with her parents present after travelling to the country to seek additional treatment options. Dunfermline Athletic star Graham, 36, from Blanchardstown in Co Dublin, shared the tragic news of her death on Wednesday. The former Republic of Ireland U21 and Bohemians FC player made an emotinal tribute to his partner on social media. He 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."

Rachel, 35, from North Lanarkshire, faced fresh anguish when she discovered a tumour in March 2023 - just a year after being told her triple-negative breast cancer was undetectable, the Daily Record reports.

Tragically, more tumours were subsequently found.

Her sister Sarah described how Rachel mounted a "brave and relentless battle" which lasted more than four years.

Speaking in a statement online, 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.

"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's statement went on to read: "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."

The football community has also shared their condolences online to Rachel's family and friends.

A statement from Dunfermline Athletic said: "Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was hugely saddened to learn of the passing of Rachel Borthwick, partner of Pars player Graham Carey. Our thoughts are with Rachel's family and friends at this devastating time. Rest in Peace, Rachel."

Plymouth Argyle, the club Graham previously played for, said: "We all send our deepest condolences to Graham's family at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Rachel."

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