Former Team GB star Gemma Wiseman tragically died just days before Christmas, leaving her wife and young daughter “at a complete loss”. The 33-year-old was part of the UK’s squad for the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy. They ended up finishing in third place at the tournament, scooping a bronze medal in the process. Gemma was part of the squad alongside wife Laura.

Apart from that success, she also scooped a bronze during the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria, while there was further success with England and Team GB. Speaking about those successes with the Norfolk FA, she said: “My biggest achievement is winning Bronze in Italy and it was the best team. We gave everything in those games, and it meant a lot to all of us. My other biggest achievements are getting the England FA caps and Olympic medal.”

Her family – including a three-year-old daughter – have now been left heartbroken after confirmation of Gemma’s death. Her body was heartbreakingly discovered by a member of the public on December 16 in a park on the outskirts of Rackheath, Norfolk.

An inquest into the circumstances of her death has been opened at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court. A GoFundMe page has been set up for Gemma’s wife Laura since then and has raised nearly £8000. A statement posted on the page read: “Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour.

“Everywhere she went she brought laughter and energy with her and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her. Gemma leaves behind her devoted wife, Laura, and three-year-old daughter who are at a complete loss without her.

“We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So, if you are able to donate anything at all this would be hugely appreciated. Laura is extremely grateful for everyone’s help and support at this difficult time. It’s ok to not be ok.”

Away from football, she was also a teaching assistant. Wiseman was a strong advocate of other young girls to get into the sport during her career having helped to launch an Inclusive Festival for Girls. Wiseman added: “Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart. It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.”

In other news – Zambia road accident claims Zimbabwean lives

A video has gone viral of a deadly head-on collision involving a bus and a truck in Zambia in which an eyewitness said many lives, some Zimbabweans, were lost. The bus was South African, and heading to Tanzania, suspected to have had mostly Zimbabwean passengers going on business.

The truck, on the other hand, was Tanzanian and coming to Zambia. The head-on crash, according to the eyewitness, happened at Selenje and was a result of the truck encroaching onto the opposite lane while trying to overtake. Read More