THE 14-year-old sister of Coleen Rooney has died after a lifelong battle with a rare genetic disorder.
Rosie McLoughlin, who had Rett syndrome, died at her home in Liverpool in the early hours of Saturday morning surrounded by her family.
A statement issued on behalf of Coleen, her husband, Manchester United star Wayne, and the rest of Rosie’s family, said they had been left “heartbroken” by the teenager’s death.
“She was such a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all,” the statement said.
“We shall cherish for ever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us each and every day of her life.”
The family thanked staff at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Hospital and Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral, Merseyside, where Rosie was treated and asked for privacy at this “sad and difficult time”.
Rosie’s illness inspired adopted sister Coleen and her husband Wayne to help raise funds for sick, disadvantaged and disabled children.
Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects just one in 12,000 females, according to the NHS. It causes severe physical and mental disability that begins in early childhood.
Coleen Rooney took to Twitter on Saturday to express her sorrow at her sister’s death. Under the username @ColeenRoo, she wrote: “We are absolutely hear tbroken to have lost our angel Rosie. So glad we ended our holiday short, due to her deteriorating & we was able to spend the last few days together with her an our family!” Sleep tight Rosie Mc x.” (sic)
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