24 September 2023 , 18:08
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A heartbreaking video shows the moment Derby County's goalkeeper walks hand in hand with his wife on their wedding day - three months before she died of cancer.
Josh and Laura Vickers are seen walking through flurries of white petals in the clip, taken minutes after they tied the knot. The couple smile at friends and family members gathered to celebrate their love at Holmewood Hall in Cambridgeshire on June 1. Today in an Instagram post featuring a shot from their wedding day, ex-Arsenal star Josh, 27, revealed his wife has lost her long battle against cancer. In his touching tribute he said: "We have cried, laughed and danced our way through some tough times."
Josh and Laura Vickers tied the knot on June 1 in Cambtridgeshire (RyanMoore.Weddings)The video clip - published with permission from the videographer - shows how Josh, who grew up in Brentwood, Essex, was unable to take his eyes off his stunning bride as they walked through the grounds of the stately home. In one frame, the loving couple pose with their pet French bulldogs, who the videographer jokingly described as "their kids".
Another shows a close-up of Laura's tattoo of her husband's initials and a red heart on her arm. Loved ones could hardly hold back the tears as they celebrated the couple's love, while Josh and Laura could not stop beaming following the ceremony.
The footballer proposed to Laura in Canada last year. They moved into their first home together in 2019, it is reported. Since the wedding though, Josh documented Laura's lengthy battle with cancer on Instagram, including numerous rounds of chemotherapy. Now, the latest video has been shared publicly as Josh grieves his spouse.
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Videographer Ryan Moore said: "This was an emotional one! Hearing Josh and Laura's story was amazing, they are perfectly suited for each other!" Announcing Laura's tragic death, Josh penned a tribute to his late wife: "I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can't find the right words to say and don't know if I ever will.
"On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer… Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories...
Derby County goalkeeper Josh Vickers has the support of teammates"I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we meet to the moment you peacefully passed. I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day.
"Thank you to everyone that has supported myself and both families through this incredibly difficult time. Truly fortunate to have the most amazing family and friends! I Love You Always & Forever."
Laura died of cancer three weeks after marrying her partner, a Derby County footballer (RyanMoore.Weddings)Josh, who has also played for Rotherham United, missed Derby's game yesterday against Carlisle for "personal reasons". Since he shared the exact circumstances, he has received a great deal of support from the footballing community.
Martyn Waghorn, his own teammate, posting a squad photo on Instagram, with the caption "we're all with you mate". In a touching show of support, Waghorn and other teammates warmed up for the game sporting strips which read "Josh 31".
The Rams beat Carlisle 2-0 thanks to James Collins' brace, the second of which came from the penalty spot. The triumph at Brunton Park moved Derby to ninth in Sky Bet League One.