Footballer Lee Miller’s wife, 29, dies ‘from brain tumour’

The footballer, who played for Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts before moving to England, broke the tragic news about Donna, 29, the mother of their two sons, on his Twitter page.

It is believed his wife died after a three-year battle against a brain tumour.

He posted a picture of her online and added: “Saddest day of my life. RIP Donna … u will always b loved!! a wonderful mum 2 our beautiful boys!! … they will never 4get u!! …xxx”

He later tweeted: “Thanx everybody 4 ur kind msgs … I’ve read every1 of them & they mean so much 2 me, my family & Donnas family.”

The couple married in May 2008 in Edinburgh, the city in which Donna was born. They celebrated the marriage surrounded by family and friends at Dalmahoy Hotel.

Miller, 28, who has three Scotland caps, moved to Middlesbrough two years ago and joined English League One side Carlisle United at the start of this season.

A statement released by the Cumbrian club yesterday said: “The thoughts of the directors, staff and everyone connected with Carlisle United Football Club are with Lee Miller and his family at the sad news of the passing of his partner, Donna, last night.

“The club is sure that everyone will respect the privacy of the family at this very sad time.”

Carlisle official Andy Hall said the club still had to make a decision on how it would pay its respects, but there would be a tribute at Saturday’s home game against Exeter.

A spokesman for Aberdeen Football Club said: “The thoughts of everyone at AFC are with former player Lee and his family at this sad time following the passing of his partner, Donna.”

Fans of the Carlisle, Middlesbrough and Aberdeen, as well as other football supporters, used Twitter to express their condolences.

SmsW, on the Aberdeen website, said: “Shocking news, especially with someone so young.”

The Redpimpernel said: “Heartbreaking news Lee Miller. Truly awful.”

As well as his two sons with Donna, Miller has another child from a previous relationship.