Darren Clarke’s wife loses battle with cancer

THE wife of Irish golf star Darren Clarke died yesterday after a long battle with cancer.

Heather, 39, died at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital in the early hours. She leaves two children, Tyrone, eight, and five-year-old Conor. She had suffered a recurrence of breast cancer.

Yesterday her husband said: “Heather’s courage and bravery throughout the last two years when she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer has been an inspiration.

“Heather 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, but a statement said that Mr Clarke, who turns 38 today, will return to the game “when he feels ready”.

The sportsman from Dungannon, Co Tyrone, pulled out of the golf circuit three weeks ago to care for his dying wife.

He has missed tournaments during recent months because of anxiety over his wife’s condition.

Mr Clarke’s close friend and fellow golf professional Paul McGinley, who is playing in a tournament in Holland, added: “Our two families are very much intertwined. Obviously me and Darren out here, but Heather and Ali (McGinley’s wife) were the best of friends and our kids are in the same class at school.

“So it is a tough, tough time for us all. I have pulled out of next week’s US PGA Championship to attend the funeral. You don’t ever want to see anybody go, you always hold out hope right to the last minute. But boy she put up some battle.

“It has been a tough ride for us all the last couple of years, but especially for Darren. He will have some issues to deal with now, but we will fully support him in any way we can.”

Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam said: “All the players and the guys out here on Tour have known that Heather has been struggling for a couple of years now and we all just feel very sorry for Darren and sorry for his family.”

George O’Grady, executive director of the European Tour, said: “Everyone connected with the Tour will be immensely saddened by this news. We extend out deepest sympathy, our thoughts and our prayers to Darren, Tyrone and Conor and the families.”

Ms Clarke and her husband were honorary members of Dungannon Golf Club but lived in Sunningdale, Berkshire, from where they travelled the world.

The golfing maestro learned his game at Dungannon and the flag was flying at half mast there yesterday as members of the local community mourned the death. Honorary Secretary Sean Hughes said: “Darren and his family have had a long association with this golf club. He learned to play his golf here when he was a teenager.

“We are all truly saddened because she was a lovely, beautiful girl who supported Darren throughout her illness.

“Darren re-organised four of the holes here six years ago and opened the new club as well five years ago.

“We have been praying for many months while Heather was ill, praying that she would get better and our thoughts are with the Clarke family at this time.”