Rachel Borthwick, partner of Dunfermline Athletic footballer Graham Carey, has died aged 37 after a brave four-year battle with triple-negative breast cancer.
Rachel and her partner Graham
Professional footballer Graham Carey’s partner has tragically passed away at the age of 37 after a brave battle with cancer.
Rachel Borthwick, a mother of two, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after first discovering a lump in September 2021. She traveled to India for further treatment and died in Delhi, India, in the presence of her parents on Sunday.
Graham, a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 star who currently plays for Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, heartbreakingly confirmed his death on Wednesday.
“Our babies will always remember how incredibly strong and brave you were right up until the end. I know you will always look down on them, protect them, and guide them. They will take some comfort in the fact that their mom will no longer feel pain and can sleep peacefully. We love you more than you could ever have imagined,” she wrote on social media.
Rachel, then 35, discovered the tumor in March 2023, just 12 months after completing treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. At that time, she was told that her cancer was no longer detectable. But then additional tumors were discovered.
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Her sister Sarah revealed that Rachel had been fighting a “brave and relentless battle” for more than four years.
Online, she said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share an update about our beloved Rachel. On Sunday, March 22nd at 11:06pm local time, Rachel passed away peacefully at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, India, surrounded by her parents.”
“Rachel had an incredibly brave and relentless four-and-a-half year battle with triple-negative breast cancer. She faced every challenge with strength and courage, without complaint, and did everything she could. Sadly, the cancer was so aggressive that it had progressed so far that her body could no longer handle it.
Rachel sadly passed away on Sunday.
“Rachel made the decision to go to India for treatment because she believed there were no better options in the UK. She was determined to continue fighting for as long as possible, for herself and most importantly for her children. That determination, hope and love defined her until the end.”
Sarah added: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Rachel was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. The space she left behind will never be filled. We would like to thank you for your donations, messages. We would like to thank everyone who supported Rachel through her journey through love, prayers, and kindness. It meant more to her and to all of us than we can truly express.”
“Please continue to keep Rachel and her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Rachel Borthwick
Since then, the football world has rallied to offer its condolences to Rachel’s family and friends. Graham started his career at Celtic and went on to play for St Johnstone, St Mirren and Plymouth Argyle.
In a statement, Dunfermline said: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rachel Borthwick, partner of Pulse player Graham Carey. Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace Rachel.”
St Johnstone released a statement saying: “We are shocked to learn of the death of Graham Carey’s partner Rachel. The thoughts and love of everyone at St Johnstone Football Club are with Graham and his family at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Rachel.”
Plymouth also expressed its condolences to Graham and his family. The statement read: “All of us send our deepest condolences to Graham’s family at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace Rachel.”
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