Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross has revealed her devastation over her mother’s death on July 10 in a heartbreaking statement on social media.
The 24-year-old stepped away from professional football in March to care for Jessica Cooney after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer months earlier.
Jessica passed away aged 45 after a long battle with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, which affects the bile ducts.
Her heartbroken daughter has now taken to Instagram to pay tribute to her mum, with the post going viral.
‘On Friday, the 10th of July, my biggest fear in life happened right in front of me, and never in my life did I think I’d be having to see you go so soon,’ the Matildas star said.
‘You should still have another 45 years of precious life in front of you.
Kyra Cooney-Cross has paid a heart-rending tribute to her mother Jessica (pictured together) after she died from cancer
The Matildas star (pictured with her mother) wrote, ‘Never in my life did I think I’d be having to see you go so soon’
Cooney-Cross stepped away from football in March to care for her mum (pictured together)
The death of the 45-year-old (pictured) has left the Aussie football community in mourning
‘My biggest fear isn’t death. It’s seeing my mum so vulnerable. It’s losing my mum before I can give her the life she truly deserves.
‘Nothing scares me more than a world where I can’t hear her voice.
‘I can’t bear the thought of not feeling her hugs and kisses, not being able to tell her how much she means to me, not being able to call for my mum.’
The Arsenal midfielder went on to praise her mum for fighting ‘battles she never let us see’ and wrote about her ability to ‘swallow her own pain so we could have peace’.
‘She is the most beautiful, patient, gentle, wise, loving, courageous, and strongest person I know, and I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be raised by this amazing woman. You’re so deeply loved by all,’ the Matildas star continued.
‘You’re a warrior. You deserve a cape.
‘You are so unintentionally funny. I’m going to miss you giving me lectures and seeing you walk through that front door, and all the little things that make you, you.
‘But I’m so glad you’re not in pain anymore.’
Jessica Cooney (pictured) has lost her battle with stage-four cholangiocarcinoma
The Arsenal midfielder put her club duties on pause in the Women’s Super League as a result of her mother’s worsening health.
‘I hope you’re up there peacefully enjoying your nature walks, watering your plants, painting, drinking cups of tea, having naps, watching the sunrise, bird watching, and eating all the food in the world,’ Cooney-Cross continued.
‘You’re my biggest inspiration and the person I aspire to be. Mum, my favourite part is knowing that I’m a little piece of you.’
Cooney-Cross’ Matildas teammates have reached out to her as they reacted to the post, which has received more than 115,000 likes.
‘Sending love to you & your family Kyra,’ Matildas poster girl Sam Kerr said.
‘Thinking of you and your family Ky ❤️ we’re all here for you,’ Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold added.
‘Sending all our love to you & your family ❤️ thinking of you,’ Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry said.
‘Love you Ky,’ Matildas forward Steph Catley wrote.
