When Kyra Cooney-Cross steps onto the pitch at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium this Sunday, she'll be carrying more than just her football boots. The Australian midfielder will be honouring her late mother, Jess, who passed away two months ago after a battle with cancer. This game day will be an emotional one for Cooney-Cross, but it's also an opportunity to make her mum proud and give back to the fans who have supported her throughout her career.
Cooney-Cross' mum was diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma in January this year. Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, she fought bravely for seven months before passing away at just 45 years old. The midfielder credits her mother's sacrifices for helping shape her football career and says she wants to carry her legacy on and off the pitch.
Growing up, Cooney-Cross' mum was a single parent of four girls, driving her daughter to training sessions in Melbourne, an hour and a half each way, despite struggling financially. The midfielder acknowledges that she doesn't even know half of the sacrifices her mother made for her.
_Based on reporting by BBC Sport. Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx2zngqxylpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss_
