The wife of golfer Darren Clarke has died following a long illness from breast cancer. Heather Clarke was 39.
In a statement, Darren Clarke confirmed her death at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London in the early hours of this morning.
He said her 'courage and bravery' throughout the last two years had been an inspiration.
He added that she was 'a wonderful and enormously supportive wife, mother and friend'.
She leaves behind two sons, eight-year-old Tyrone and five-year-old Conor.
Speaking to Robbie Irwin on the 2FM programme 'Sports Bag' this morning, fellow golfer Des Smyth sympathised with the family.
Darren Clarke, 11-time winner on the European Tour, had cut his playing schedule throughout his wife's battle against breast cancer after she was diagnosed in 2002.
He last played competitive golf at the British Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club last month before taking time off to be with his family.
