Coleen Rooney And Family Mourn 14-Year-Old Rosie

Coleen Rooney and her family are grieving following the death of her 14-year-old sister Rosie McLaughlin from an incurable illness.

The 26-year-old and her footballer husbandWayne Rooney joined family members at the youngster's bedside as she passed away in hospital.

She later said: "We are absolutely heartbroken to have lost our angel. Sleep tight Rosie Mc."

"So glad we ended our holiday short, due to her deteriorating & we was able to spend the last few days together with her an our family! Sleep tight Rosie Mc x We love you more than words can say x."

Rosie suffered from a rare and incurable genetic illness called Rett Syndrome, which had left her unable to walk, talk or feed herself. The above picture was taken in 2006.

Coleen's family issued a statement which read: "Sadly our special angel Rosie, our much-loved daughter and sister, went to heaven at 2.50am this morning at home, surrounded by her loving family.

"Rosie was just 14 years old. Throughout her life she brought so much love and happiness to all our family and everyone who knew and met her.

"She was a strong little girl and an inspiration to us all. We shall cherish forever the memories we have shared and the love she showed us every day of her life. As a family we are heartbroken, but we are blessed to have had her in our lives."

The Rooneys are reported by The Mirror to have spent much of their spare time caring for Rosie - even asking for donations to Alder Hey children's hospital instead of wedding gifts.