Irish football star Graham Carey’s partner Rachel dies aged 37 after cancer battle

Rachel Borthwick, partner of Dunfermline Athletic footballer Graham Carey, has died aged 37 after a brave four-year battle with triple-negative breast cancer

The partner of Scottish footballer Graham Carey has tragically died aged 37 following a courageous fight against cancer.

Rachel Borthwick passed away on Sunday, March 22. The mum-of-two was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after initially discovering a lump in September 2021. She died in Delhi, India, with her parents present, having travelled to the country seeking additional medical treatment. Graham, who plays for Dunfermline Athletic, confirmed her heartbreaking death on Wednesday.

Posting on social media, Graham said: “Our babies will always remember how unbelievably strong and brave you have been until the very end. I know you will always be looking down on them, protecting them, and guiding them. They can take some comfort that their mummy is no longer in any pain and can now rest in peace.

“We will always love you more than you could ever know.”

Rachel, then 35, discovered a tumour in March 2023 just 12 months after completing her treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. At the time, she was informed her cancer had become undetectable.

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However, additional tumours were subsequently found. Her sister Sarah revealed how Rachel mounted a “brave and relentless battle” for more than four years.

Posting online, she said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share an update about our beloved Rachel. On Sunday, March 22 at 11.06pm local time, Rachel passed away peacefully at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, India, with her parents by her side.

“Rachel fought an incredibly brave and relentless four-and-a-half-year battle with triple-negative breast cancer. She faced every challenge with strength, courage, and without complaint, giving everything she had for as long as she could. Sadly, the cancer was very aggressive and had progressed significantly, and in the end it became too much for her body to endure.

“Rachel made the decision to travel to India for treatment because she believed there were no further options available to her in the UK. She was determined to keep fighting for as long as possible-for herself, and most importantly, for her children. That determination, hope, and love defined her until the very end.”

Sarah added: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Rachel was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, auntie, niece, cousin and friend, and the space she leaves behind can never be filled. We want to thank everyone who has supported Rachel throughout her journey-through donations, messages, prayers, and kindness. It meant more to her, and to all of us, than we can ever truly express.

“Please continue to keep Rachel and her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

The football community has since come together to offer their condolences to Rachel’s family and friends. A statement from Dunfermline Athletic reads: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was hugely saddened to learn of the passing of Rachel Borthwick, partner of Pars player Graham Carey. Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends at this devastating time. Rest in Peace, Rachel.”

St Johnstone FC released a statement saying: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Graham Carey’s partner, Rachel. The thoughts and love of everyone at St Johnstone Football Club are with Graham and his family at this very sad time. Rest in peace, Rachel.”

Plymouth Argyle also extended their sympathies to their former midfield maestro Graham and his family. Their statement reads: “We all send our deepest condolences to Graham’s family at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Rachel.”

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