ECHO readers have sent messages of support for Gary Speed's widow, Louise, after her second husband died.
Louise found love with Quinton Bird, 53, and the two were married in December 2021, 10 years after the death of the ex-Everton and Newcastle star Gary. Mum-of-two Louise and Mr Bird were business partners for six years, and were both directors of successful new build and renovation company Bow Property Development in Chester.
The couple got married in a stunning ceremony at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire just before Christmas 2021, with former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer - a close friend and former teammate of Gary - in attendance. Tragically, Mr Bird succumbed to an aggressive form of brain tumour last year - a condition he had been battling for two years, MirrorOnline reports.
READ MORE: Gary Speed's widow suffers another loss as new husband dies after brain cancer battle
Mr Bird, a dad of three, helped Louise cope with her loneliness following Gary’s tragic death, after he had taken his own life in November 2011 at the age of 42. Gary and Louise were just 15 when they went on their first date together in the eighties.
She opened up about the impact his death had had on her in November 2021.
In an interview she said: "It was like being in the worst nightmare possible. There were no answers and no Gary walking through the door again. Nothing was ever going to be right again. I was trudging through life, just functioning. If I could have been anybody else apart from me, for a long time, I would have happily taken it.
"But we are 10 years on now. It's a cliché but time is a healer even if it takes years. I have learned that life can be good again, can be great again. I just want to protect myself from life. I don't want to feel or go through anything like that ever again. I hope that makes sense."
People have shared messages of condolence and support for Louise and her family in the wake of the tragic news.
Jodie Furniss said: "Goodness me, that's awful. No one should have to go through that once never mind twice. Sending love."
Annie Sharpes said: "Dear heavens. How much is one person supposed to have to cope with? How very heartbreaking."
Rebecca Mowll said: "Omg. This is so sad. To go through it once and then again. Sending love and strength."
Jackie Champion added: "How very sad that poor woman and her family."
Helen Drury said: "This is so tragic! How can life be so cruel to one family?"
Danielle Lea said: "Aw that’s so sad. My heart goes out to her. Wishing her strength, that’s a lot to go through mentally."
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