Tennis player Elena Baltacha has died less than two months after revealing she had been diagnosed with liver cancer.
The
former British number one had vowed to fight the disease 'with
everything I have' after breaking news of her illness in March.
But
last night, the sports star's agents confirmed she had passed away aged
just 30, as her new husband said he was 'heartbroken beyond words'.
In a
statement released on behalf of her family, her agents said: 'It is with
deepest sadness that we bring you the following news - Elena Baltacha
died in the early hours of Sunday 4 May of liver cancer. She was 30
years old.
'Elena,
who always went by her nickname Bally, was diagnosed with liver cancer
in mid-January 2014, two months after retiring from professional tennis
and just a few weeks after marrying Nino Severino, her long-time coach
and partner.
'Despite
a determined battle against the disease, she passed away peacefully at
home with her husband Nino by her side and surrounded by friends and
family.'
Mr
Severino added: 'We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our
beautiful, talented and determined Bally. She was an amazing person and
she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and
her kindness.'
She said:
'I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm undergoing
treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have.'
***May her soul RIP
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