This was a tough, and often heartbreaking, watch.
In May 2015, Rio Ferdinand’s wife, Rebecca, lost her battle with cancer and passed away. She was just 34 years old.
On BBC One on Tuesday night, a documentary titled ‘Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad’ examined how Ferdinand has managed to cope with Rebecca’s death and the effects it has had on their three children.
The documentary followed the former Manchester United defender as he met other families attempting to cope with the loss of a loved one and sought to explore what assistance is available for parents and children who find themselves in such a devastating situation.
How Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) helped his children cope with their mother’s death.#BeingMumAndDad pic.twitter.com/fH4HtHRru8
— BBC Stories (@bbcstories) March 28, 2017
An incredibly moving and at times heartbreaking watch, Ferdinand was moved to tears at a number of points during the documentary and came out of it having earned massive respect from the viewing public.
And deservedly so too. It can’t have been easy for Ferdinand to open up about the bereavement of such an important person in his life, but he did so with dignity, providing inspiration to many in a similar predicament in the process.
My documentary Being Mum and Dad will be on @BBCOne tonight at 9pm… Thanks for all your messages & unconditional support! pic.twitter.com/UJA7Qi2Re9
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) March 28, 2017
Let's get it right, Rio's always been The Man 🙏🏾 hopefully his bravery will help others in bereavement #BeingMumAndDad
— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) March 28, 2017
Brilliant documentary about @rioferdy5 on #BeingMumAndDad BBC1. You a real inspiration to all dads out there to step up.I salute you Champ🏅
— Benni McCarthy (@bennimccarthy17) March 28, 2017
#BeingMumAndDad So much respect for @rioferdy5 What an inspiring and beautiful film, a tribute to the power of honest communication.
— Marlon Harewood (@Mazer_9) March 28, 2017
So much respect for @rioferdy5 for sharing #BeingMumAndDad. Unbelievably courageous and brave but I'm sure will touch so many ❤️
— Casey Stoney MBE 💙 (@CaseyStoney) March 28, 2017
Huge respect to everyone who took part in #BeingMumAndDad @rioferdy5 your an inspiration your family are beautiful,respect on all levels
— Phil Vickery MBE DL (@Phil_Vickery) March 28, 2017
#BeingMumAndDad such a touching documentary putting life into perspective ❤️ @rioferdy5
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) March 28, 2017
Well done @rioferdy5 doing that documentary. Showed a side many don't see. 10/10 for the plaits👌🏻 I need to up my game! #BeingMumAndDad
— Stephen Warnock⚽️📺🎙 (@StephenWarnock3) March 28, 2017
If your BBC1 is BBC NI, you can watch @rioferdy5's #BeingMumAndDad at 22:45.
Watch it. It's tough. It's beautiful.
Every moment counts.
— Dave Moore (@DaveTodayFM) March 28, 2017
Incredibly brave. Well done @rioferdy5 and all involved. Powerful. #BeingMumAndDad
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) March 28, 2017
