A TALENTED World Cup bronze medal-winning Team GB footballer has tragically passed away just before Christmas.
Gemma Wiseman, 33, was part of Britain’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2016 Deaf World Cup in Italy.
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Gemma Wiseman, left, and Laura Wiseman after winning bronze with Team GB in ItalyCredit: Archant
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Gemma was found dead a week before ChristmasCredit: Facebook
Sadly, the keen footballer’s body was discovered by a member of the public on December 16 in a park on the outskirts of Rackheath, Norfolk.
An inquest into her death has now been opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court.
Gemma was a teaching assistant in Norwich, a mother of three and married to Laura Wiseman, who was also part of the 2016 team.
She won other medals with England and the Great Britain team, including bronze at the 2013 Deaf Olympics in Bulgaria.
Since her death, a GoFundMe page has raised £7,500.
The collector said: “Her family and friends are devastated.
“Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humor.
“Wherever she went, she brought laughter and energy with her and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.”
Gemma supported Norfolk FA’s first inclusive girls’ festival and played for local clubs.
In an interview with Norfolk FA 2021, Gemma said her football idol is David Beckham.
She revealed: “Girls who are unsure about playing football, you never know until you try to follow your heart.
“It’s important to have girls as role models, so they can prove themselves wrong and play the sport they enjoy.”
An inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place on July 29, 2024.
In 2016, football ace Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the deaf men’s and women’s football teams reach the 2017 Deaf Olympics.
The former Manchester United and England defender made the donation in response to a tweet from GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe.
Well-wishers were distraught by Gemma’s death.
One said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie.
“Gemma always had such a lovely smile and sparkling personality when we bumped into you around Blofield.”
Another wrote: “We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
“You, Allie and family are in our thoughts. Much love.”
You are not alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It does not discriminate, it touches the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and football players.
It is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, deadlier than cancer and traffic accidents.
And men are three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
Yet it’s rarely talked about, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage if we don’t all stop and pay attention now.
That’s why The Sun launched the You Are Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all help save lives.
Let’s all pledge to ask for help when we need it, and listen to others… You are not alone.
If you or anyone you know needs help with mental health issues, the following organizations offer support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
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- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
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Gemma worked as a teaching assistant Credits: Facebook
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education