An England footballer, who won a bronze medal for the UK alongside her wife, tragically died just days before Christmas.

Gemma Wiseman, 33, helped guide the United Kingdom to a third-place finish at the World Deaf Football Championship in Italy back in 2016.

Her body was discovered by a member of the public in woodlands on December 16 near Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich.

Wiseman leaves behind her wife Laura and daughter, 3, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss.

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500.

England footballer Gemma Wiseman, 33, was found dead in woodlands days before Christmas

England footballer Gemma Wiseman, 33, was found dead in woodlands days before Christmas

England footballer Gemma Wiseman, 33, was found dead in woodlands days before Christmas

Wiseman won bronze at the Deaf World Championship alongside her wife in 2016

Wiseman won bronze at the Deaf World Championship alongside her wife in 2016

Wiseman won bronze at the Deaf World Championship alongside her wife in 2016

A statement posted on the site said: ‘On December 16, 2023, Gemma sadly took her own life. Her family and friends are absolutely devastated.

‘Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour. Everywhere she went she brought laughter and energy with her and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

‘Gemma leaves behind her devoted wife, Laura, and three-year-old daughter who are at a complete loss without her.

‘We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So, if you are able to donate anything at all this would be hugely appreciated.

‘Laura is extremely grateful for everyone’s help and support at this difficult time.

‘It’s ok to not be ok.’

An inquest into her death was opened on December 28 at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, while an inquest to determine the official cause of her death will take place in July next year.

Wiseman had been working as a teaching assistant while continuing to play football for a number of local clubs.

Well-wishers were left distraught by Wiseman’s death, leaving messages of support for her family on her GoFundMe page.

‘So sad to hear this. I didn’t know Gemma but recognise her from the Deaf festival. I remember Gemma and Laura bringing Allie to the bear clinic to get some hearing aids for her bear,’ a commenter said.

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500 so far

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500 so far

Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500 so far

Another added: ‘I’m so sorry to read this. We worked together back in 2014 for Break. Gemma had the sweetest kindest soul. We then saw each other on Sunday mornings as our little girls played football together. A happy, friendly face I would see now and again. So so sorry. Rest in peace lovely lady.’

In 2016, Manchester United legend Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get the the 2017 Deaflympics.

The footballer-turned-pundit made the donation in response to a tweet from Team GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe when he discovered that neither the Premier League of the FA offered financial support for Great Britain’s deaf sides. 

‘I will do it if they won’t,’ he tweeted in 2016.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details 

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