Everyone at Rotherham United has been heartbroken to learn of the devastating news of the passing of Laura Vickers – the wife of our former player Josh – aged just 27.
Laura lost her long and brave battle with cancer recently just three months after her and Josh were married.
Josh spent three years here at Rotherham United and became a highly-popular figure in our close-knit dressing room during that time, forming friendships with players past and present that will undoubtedly transcend football.
Those relationships mean that a number of our current and former players came to not only know Josh’s wife Laura, but also became close with her, learning of her truly inspirational outlook on life in the most difficult of circumstances.
A selection of those same players were in attendance on the happiest day of the couple’s lives when they were married this summer.
It goes without saying that the thoughts of everyone here at Rotherham United remain with Josh and everyone connected with him and Laura at this truly heartbreaking time.
Upon the deeply-saddening news of Laura’s passing reaching us here, our first team expressed their desire to dedicate tonight’s Sky Bet Championship game against Bristol City to celebrating her life and to reminding Josh that he has a network of people who are here to support him.
Our players will warm-up ahead of the midweek clash with Bristol City in specially-made t-shirts which we hope will serve as a clear reminder to Josh and all of Laura’s family and friends that they are very much in our thoughts.
There will also be volunteers from our Community Trust around the stadium blueprint collecting donations made in memory of Laura for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – where Laura received treatment.
We will also be inviting everyone inside AESSEAL New York Stadium to join us in a period of applause on the 31st minute of the game - 31 being Josh's squad number during his time with us.
Rest in Peace, Laura.
