Darren Clarkes wife passes away this morning.

[jaridyard]

Very sad news this morning for the Clarke family, I'm sure the thoughts of golf fans the world over are with them.

 

Clarke left to mourn wife's death

 

Clarke's wife had been battling cancer since 2004

Darren Clarke's wife Heather has died after a long battle with breast cancer.

The Irish Ryder Cup star said at last month's Open Championship that he was taking an extended break from golf because her condition had worsened.

 

In a statement, Clarke confirmed that Heather, 39, passed away at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London in the early hours of Sunday.

 

She and her husband, who is 38 on Monday, have two sons, Tyrone (8) and Conor (5).

 

Clarke said: "Heather's courage and bravery throughout the last two years when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has been an inspiration.

 

"Sher never complained once throughout her ordeal and we will all miss her greatly.

 

"She was a wonderful and enormously supportive wife, mother and friend."

 

No funeral details have been announced yet, and Clarke said in the statement that he will return to golf "when he feels ready".

 

The couple originally met in a nightclub in Portrush, Northern Ireland, and the family lived at Sunningdale, Berkshire.

 

The grieving Clarke now seems almost certain to miss next month's Ryder Cup at the K Club near Dublin.

 

A member of the last four European teams, he is 30th in the standings after missing several events to spend time with his family.

 

At the Open, he shot a first round of 69 but then missed the cut after an 82 and announced he would not be playing "for the foreseeable future" because of Heather's health.

 

 

He and his wife have for a long time promoted cancer awareness, and Clarke recently auctioned a European Tour 'Shot of the Month' trophy in aid of a breast cancer charity.

[matt411]

how sad. my prayers go out to his family.

[kkcheo]

Condolences to the Clarke family.

 

-Keng

[tony Q]

Condolences to the Clarke family.

 

She will be missed.

 

Stay strong Darren.

 

Christian

[nikemike]

Condolences to Darren and family.

[hoganboy]

Very sad news, thoughts are with Darren and family.

 

Guess it gets you thinking about there by the grace of god go all of us.

[broth518]

this is terrible....

 

God Bless

[pga_apprentice]

Having lost a mother to breast cancer, I can appreciate the emotional rollercoaster Darren has been on. Very sad news indeed. Prayers and condolences to the entire Clarke family.

[aglove]

Very sad news indeed. May all our thoughts and prayers be with the Clarke family

[dmboak]

Sorry to hear this. Sympathies to Darren and his family.

[neil_kman]

My condolences to the Clarke family

[CRutherford]

Best Wishes and Cheers to Darren & family. Our prayers are with them. God Bless.

[jsimpson]

How sad. Condolences to the Clarke family in their time of need.

[johnnypro]

Condolences to Darren and his two boys. God bless.

[samm980]

I wish I knew what to say other than thoughts and prayers to his family and God Bless them.

 

I really don't know what else to say though.

[Viking Golfer]

RIP Heather

[dispatch096]

This is such a sad story. My condolences to the Clarke Family.

[Teetogreen86]

I didn't realize it was that serious. My condolences to the Clarke family. What a shame.

[Golfwolf]

Very sad news to read!

[Mr Mizuno]

God bless you Heather and the Clarke family.

[Langlands]

Very sad news

[Konklifer]

Very sad news. Condolences to the Clarke family.

[Redsoxfan]

Darren,my prayers are with you and yours.i lost my wife to cancer.time and life go,but she is always in my heart...

[MR.PINCHY]

Condolences to Darren and family,

[six00imola]

clarke is an awesome golfer and a really great guy

[JHR]

Very sad story and like everyone i send my condolences, i know how my kids would feel if they lost their mother.

 

I watched the European Tour this morning and all the Players were wearing Black Ribbons in her honor, nice gesture i thought.

[mkverde]

very sad

[fish]

my heartfelt condolences to the Clarke family!!!!!!

 

Fish

[pitbull808]

That's just some awful news.

 

My deepest sympathy to the Clarke family. May god be with you Heather.

[Riuzzi]

Very sorry to hear this. My thoughts go out to the Clarke family