Derby County goalkeeper Josh Vickers confirmed the passing of his wife Laura after a years-long cancer battle last weekend.

The 27-year-old, who started his career with Arsenal, married Laura at an intimate ceremony at Holmewood Hall in Cambridge on June 1. 

A heartbreaking video emerged of Josh and Laura Vickers’ wedding – which showed the couple celebrating their big day with friends and family.

The club paid tribute to Vickers on X, sharing a squad photo following their win over Carlisle United at the weekend, captioning it: ‘For Josh’. 

Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know about Josh Vickers. 

Josh Vickers (right) has confirmed the passing of his wife Laura – three months after the pair tied the knot

The Derby County goalkeeper revealed he lost his wife after a years-long cancer battle

Who is Josh Vickers? 

Born on December 1, 1995, Vickers began his career at Arsenal’s Academy in 2010.

He would get his first taste of regular football when he was sent on loan to Isthmian League side Canvey Island in 2013.

After making 30 appearances in the league, Vickers returned to the Emirates and would sign a professional contract with the club.

In November 2014, Vickers would sign for Concord Rangers on an initial one-month loan. However, it was then extended to the end of the 2014-15 season. 

The 27-year-old left Arsenal on a permanent deal in the summer of 2015 to join Swansea City. After struggling to break into the side in his first season, Vickers was then loaned to Barnet ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

Vickers made his EFL debut on 6 August 2016 –  a 1-1 draw against Cambridge United.

That season, he would go on to make 26 appearances for the League Two side. 

He was then released by Swansea in 2017 and would sign for Lincoln City, where he went on to make over 70 appearances for the club.

Josh Vickers signed for current club Derby back in the summer and has made two appearances for the side so far 

In 2020, Vickers signed for Rotherham United and would spend three years at the club before signing for his current club Derby this summer. 

Vickers has only made two appearances for the club so far this season. His last appearance came in a 2-1 defeat to Bolton back in September.

The goalkeeper’s absence from Saturday’s win over Carlisle United was put down to ‘personal reasons’. 

In a touching show of support, the squad warmed up for the game sporting strips, which read ‘Josh 31’.

They then held up his strip after James Collins scored 18 minutes into the match against Carlisle. 

Vickers’ teammates held up his shirt in a show of support as he was absent from Saturday’s match

What has Josh said on the passing his beloved wife? 

In an emotional post over the weekend, he shared the heartbreaking news that she had passed away alongside a picture from their wedding day. 

‘I have written and unwritten this so many times and still can’t find the right words to say and don’t know if I ever will.

‘On Tuesday evening my wife lost her long battle against cancer….

In an emotional post to social media, Josh uploaded a picture with Laura on their wedding day

‘Laura is the strongest, bravest and most loving person I have ever met. Even though everything she was going through, she continued to smile, never letting anything get in the way of having a good time and making a lifetime of memories.

‘We have cried, laughed and danced our way through some tough times.

‘I will cherish every moment we spent together from the first time we meet to the moment you peacefully passed. I know that you will be looking down on me and continuing to inspire me every day.

‘Thank you to everyone that has supported myself and both families through this incredibly difficult time. Truly fortunate to have the most amazing family and friends! I Love You Always & Forever.’

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