What an amazing dad.
And what an amazing piece of television. Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad aired on BBC One on Tuesday night, and it’s fair to say it really touched those watching at home with its brutal honesty and moving accounts. Ferdinand lost a wife – and his children lost their mother – when Rebecca Ellison died of breast cancer in May 2015, aged only 34.
Tonight @rioferdy5 explores the impact that losing his wife to cancer has had on himself and his children. #BeingMumAndDad. 9pm. @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/Oa90f8cFgT
— BBC One (@BBCOne) March 28, 2017
The programme featured the Manchester United legend giving a very personal account of how he and his family are coming to terms with the loss, whilst at the same time looking at the grieving process and how men deal with depression in a more general sense. It was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, beautiful and inspiring television, and Rio came across as an absolute hero for just trying to do the best for his kids and attempting to deal with his own feelings of loss.
How Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) helped his children cope with their mother’s death.#BeingMumAndDad pic.twitter.com/fH4HtHRru8
— BBC Stories (@bbcstories) March 28, 2017
We urge you to watch it on iPlayer if you haven’t already, it’s such a thought-provoking and moving piece of television. Here’s what a few viewers had to say.
https://twitter.com/bealymufc/status/846817198735810564
Raising 1 child is hard enough,raising 3 alone is commendable. Rio stepped up when it mattered most. Legend on and off the pitch @rioferdy5
— 𝔻𝕚𝕡𝕤 (@dipsMUFC) March 28, 2017
.@rioferdy5 is one of my absolute heroes both on and off the football pitch. I can't speak highly enough of the guy. #BeingMumAndDad
— Alex Panton (@RedDevilPant) March 28, 2017
South London boy who reached the top at the club I love and went through the worst personal tragedy possible at the same time I did. ❤️
— Alex Panton (@RedDevilPant) March 28, 2017
Doesn't matter how much money or wealth you have, you can never replace a loved one 😔 #BeingMumAndDad @rioferdy5
— 𝔻𝕚𝕡𝕤 (@dipsMUFC) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/jonnyescott/status/846822806948065283
Some bollocks on Rio Ferdinand to make this documentary.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) March 28, 2017
For yrs I thought Rio was a bit of a flashy twat. Couldn’t have been more wrong, his strength and that of the men in this film is absurd
— Dan (@mufc_dan87) March 28, 2017
This.
It will undoubtedly help others too. https://t.co/nXeuQcz3FV— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) March 28, 2017
Watching #BeingMumAndDad? If you know someone who's been through similar, remember just being there can make a world of difference 💚
— Macmillan Cancer Support (@macmillancancer) March 28, 2017
One of the best footballers I've ever had the pleasure to watch & huge respect for Rio after this doc. Heartbreaking but very brave
— Thomo (@andy_thomo) March 28, 2017
Doesn't matter who you are, that grief is real. Respect to Rio & everyone trying to cope with a loss as great as that #BeingMumAndDad
— Reshmin Chowdhury (@ReshminTV) March 28, 2017
I hope cancer isn't just beaten, I hope it gets the absolute shit kicked out of it first.
— Bunny (@DUCKmagstoke) March 28, 2017
HUGE respect for @rioferdy5 that was honest, raw and emotional. #BeingMumAndDad @rioferdy5
— 𝔻𝕚𝕡𝕤 (@dipsMUFC) March 28, 2017
❤️ Top man @rioferdy5
— PB (@OliPriceBates) March 28, 2017
to have the balls to show that emotion and honesty on such a important subject was amazing. #BeingMumAndDad so much respect 👏🏻👏🏻
— Matt Roy (@MattRoy87) March 28, 2017
Hard to watch Rio Ferdinand documentary at times, thinking of my nephews. Beautifully done & kind of thing I'm sure will help many families.
— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) March 28, 2017
Watched #BeingMumAndDad. And now I need something really funny to watch.
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) March 28, 2017
If you watched #BeingMumAndDad and want to talk to someone, our Support Line is open tomorrow morning at 9am on 0808 808 0000
— Macmillan Cancer Support (@macmillancancer) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/UtdDarren/status/846830691274952704
