Dunfermline Footballer Graham Carey Mourns Partner Rachel Borthwick's Cancer Death
Dunfermline Athletic midfielder Graham Carey has expressed profound heartbreak following the tragic death of his partner, Rachel Borthwick, the mother of their two young children. The 36-year-old footballer announced that Ms Borthwick passed away over the weekend after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, with her parents by her side at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi.
A Long and Brave Battle Against Aggressive Cancer
Rachel Borthwick, who was in her mid-30s, was initially diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2021. The disease returned aggressively in 2023, leading to a widespread fundraising effort by football fans to support her overseas treatment. Despite hopes that specialized care in Germany and later India might prolong her life, new tumours developed and spread, including to her brain.
In February, Ms Borthwick revealed on Instagram that the cancer had metastasized to her brain, affecting her vision. She expressed the emotional turmoil of leaving her children for an 11-week treatment journey to India, stating that staying in the UK offered no chance. While she acknowledged the treatment wasn't a cure, she fought relentlessly for more time with her family.
Family Tributes and Emotional Statements
In an emotional statement, Graham Carey described the pain and sadness of explaining to their son, Jaxon, and daughter, Marlowe, that their mother would not be coming home. He praised Ms Borthwick's unwavering strength and bravery, emphasizing that their children were her entire world and motivation throughout her illness.
The Irish footballer said, They are her whole world and always will be. It was her only motivation over these past few years dealing with this horrible illness. He added that the family takes some comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain and can rest in peace.
Ms Borthwick's sister, Sarah, paid tribute to her incredibly brave and relentless four-and-a-half-year battle. She noted that Rachel faced every challenge with strength and courage without complaint, but the aggressive cancer ultimately became too much for her body to endure.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign launched in 2023 raised thousands of pounds to fund Ms Borthwick's cancer treatments abroad. By April of last year, she believed she was on the road to recovery, but the treatment in Germany stopped being effective after 11 months. The fundraising page detailed how new tumours had grown and spread, leading to her seeking further options in India.
Carey expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from donors, well-wishers, and the football community. We want to thank everyone who has supported Rachel – through donations, messages, prayers and kindness, he said. It meant more to her, and to all of us, than we can ever truly express.
The family has requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time while asking the public to keep Rachel and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
