Kate Wright has taken to social media to share an emotional tribute to Rio Ferdinand's children on Mother's Day.
The 26-year-old wrote on Instagram to wish her own mum a happy Mother's Day, but she also used the post to pen a moving message to Rio and his children - Lorenz, Tate and Tia - who lost their mum in 2015.
'Happy Mother's Day to my lovely mum 💗 I love you so much', she wrote on the post.
'Although I am lucky to have my mum here with me today I can't help but feel so overwhelmed and full of emotions that both Rio and the children don't have their mums with them today. We are living in a house full of grief trying to get through and days like today just feel so tough.
The former TOWIE star also continued to speak out on being a stepmum, which she says it's a hard role that deserves more credit.
'Celebrate your mother's and keep them close. 💗 & happy Mother's Day to all the step mums out there it's a hard role that I don't think anyone often gets the credit they deserve for it. If you aren't being celebrated make sure u know u r doing an amazing job 💗'.
Kate's fans were quick to praise her for the touching post, with many sharing their own stories of being a stepmum in the comments section.
One wrote: 'I am also a step mum to three children who lost their mother and my partner lost his mother. These words mean an awful lot. It's hard because on one side you'd want to be happy but the other side you're respectful for their biological mum and her memory.'
Another said: '@xkatiewright I applaude you for what you are giving @rioferdy5 and his family. I lost my mum when I was 5 , and although my dad remarried I was never shown love like that which you are showing this lovely family.'
A third also commented: 'I lost my mum in May of last year my heart is broke 😔 you are doing such a great job for @rioferdy5 and his kids❤️ A mothers loves a blessing no matter where you roam 💕💕💕💕😔'
Kate has become a stepmum to Rio's children over the past year, after they started dating.
They made their relationship official during the summer, and the Essex-native moved in to his family home later in the year. She has since shared several glimpses of her family life with Rio and his three children.
The footballer lost his wife in 2015, when she sadly died of cancer, and he also lost his own mum last year, in July, when passed away after a battle with cancer aged just 58.
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