Inside Coleen Rooney's relationship with little sister Rosie: From caring for adopted sibling during...

Coleen Rooney sister

On Monday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Coleen Rooney expressed her feelings when she shared with her fellow contestant the heartbreaking story of her younger sister Rosie’s passing.

The 38-year-old WAG shared with her fellow campers about Rosie, who sadly lost her life in 2013 at the age of 14 after struggling for years with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition that leads to significant disabilities.

As boxer Barry McGuigan broke down in tears while discussing the death of his daughter Danika, who passed away from cancer in 2019 at the age of 33, Coleen appeared to be grappling with her own emotions of sorrow.

In a conversation with Dean McCullough and Oti Mabuse, she shared, "I don’t often get overly emotional. It really takes a lot for me to get upset. Even when Rosie passed away, I stayed strong for my mom and dad."

She continued, "When you find yourself in new surroundings, it gives you a chance to pause and reflect. Rosie’s anniversary falls in January."

Coleen remarked, "She was just 14 when she passed away; she would have been 26 now. Losing a child is incredibly difficult, as I've often stated… so we feel fortunate for what we do have."

Coleen Rooney got tearful on Monday while sharing with her fellow campmate the heartbreaking news of her younger sister Rosie’s passing during her time on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

The 38-year-old WAG shared with her fellow campers about Rosie, who sadly died in 2013 at just 14 years old. Rosie had been facing a lifelong struggle with Rett syndrome, an uncommon brain condition that leads to significant disabilities (as shown in the photo together).

As boxer Barry McGuigan became emotional while discussing the death of his daughter Danika, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 33 in 2019, Coleen was visibly grappling with her own emotions and sorrow.

The television star spent her childhood looking after her younger sister after her family welcomed Rosie into their home as a foster child when she was just two years old.

When she was in her early 20s, Coleen traveled to Lourdes, France, twice—once in 2008 and again in 2010—to seek a miracle that would heal Rosie.

Lourdes holds great significance for Roman Catholics, as it is believed to be the location where a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette Soubirous experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1858.

Every year, around six million visitors come to Lourdes, with many seeking to dip in the typically calm spring waters of the grotto, which are believed to have healing properties, while others come to pray for miracles at the altar.

In poignant moments from her Disney+ series focused on the Wagatha Christie controversy last year, Coleen became visibly emotional and cried while discussing her deceased sibling.

She shared that her family used to only offer temporary care, but it didn't take long for them to realize that 'Rosie was unique'.

She remembered, "When Rosie entered our lives, she became such an important part of us. She was the sister I never expected to have."

In a conversation with her parents, Colette and Tony, Coleen shared, "I used to style her hair and really enjoyed choosing outfits with my mom for her. She added a special touch to our home. We all became so attached to her."

The TV personality spent her childhood looking after her younger sister, who was welcomed into their family as a foster child when she was just two years old.

When she was in her early twenties, Coleen traveled to Lourdes, France, on two occasions - once in 2008 and again in 2010 - to seek a miraculous healing for Rosie (who is shown in the 2010 photo with her husband Wayne).

In poignant moments from her Disney+ series focused on the Wagatha Christie controversy last year, Coleen was visibly emotional as she spoke about her deceased sibling (shown in the photo).

At the beginning of the year, Coleen commemorated the 11th anniversary of Rosie's passing by posting heartfelt pictures of her sister as a teenager alongside her oldest son, Kai, who is now 15. She expressed how much she cherished Rosie, saying she loved her "to the moon and back."

However, the family quickly noticed that Rosie was having difficulties with her growth and, following several tests at the hospital, she was diagnosed with Rett syndrome.

Understanding Rett Syndrome: An Overview

Rett Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects about 1 in 12,000 children, mainly girls. This disorder leads to a decline in both their neurological and physical abilities.

The development of the disease can generally be categorized into four main stages.

In the initial phase, which occurs roughly between six months and 18 months of age, an infant's development begins to slow down. They may show less enthusiasm for play, avoid looking others in the eye, walk in an unsteady manner, and engage in repetitive gestures with their hands.

The second phase, referred to as 'rapid destruction', takes place between the ages of one and four. During this time, the child struggles more with communication and learning, and there is often a decline in other brain functions as well.

Symptoms may involve a lack of hand control, sudden episodes of distress accompanied by shouting, balance issues, breathing difficulties, trouble sleeping, slow growth of the head, and digestive concerns.

The third phase, known as the 'plateau,' starts when a child is between three and ten years old. During this time, the limbs may feel loose, there is a possibility of developing epilepsy, and individuals might experience weight loss and grind their teeth.

The last phase can extend for many years and typically involves significant curvature of the spine (scoliosis) along with a loss of mobility, making it difficult or impossible to walk.

In nearly all instances, cases arise due to a change in the MECP2 gene that hinders the proper functioning of nerve cells in the brain.

At present, there is no known cure, and treatment focuses solely on managing symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health, it's difficult to make accurate predictions about life expectancy after the age of 40.

Coleen shared, "Rosie faced many challenges. She had difficulty walking and speaking, and often felt pain and nausea, yet she always managed to wear a smile."

Sometimes she would fake a laugh, I believe it was just to keep my parents smiling.

Slowly, her mind began to shut down, preventing her from eating, speaking, or moving.

Rosie required round-the-clock assistance, and after experiencing numerous complications that led to her being placed in intensive care, Colette shared that the family chose to bring her back home so she could spend her last days with her loved ones.

"We had one final sleepover, just the five of us," she recounted. "After that, we threw a big party in honor of her life."

Overcome with emotion, Coleen expressed, "Losing a child is the most devastating experience imaginable. Yet, when I reflect on it now, I realize she brought us so many wonderful years filled with happiness and love."

Ten years after Rosie's passing, Coleen shared how it has affected her life: "Due to my experiences, I make an effort to be a source of strength for those around me."

"I don't want to burden others with my problems when they have their own challenges to deal with, but there are moments when I can break down."

Her mother, Colette, implied that her daughter hadn't completely dealt with the pain she experienced until she moved to America, following Wayne's transfer to D.C. United.

She noted, "It’s been a decade since it happened, and Coleen hasn’t said much about it. While she was in America, she had plenty of time, so she probably spent a lot of that time reflecting."

"However, she tends to keep many things to herself, making it difficult to understand what she’s really thinking."

At the beginning of the year, Coleen commemorated the anniversary of Rosie's passing with a heartfelt tribute.

She went on Instagram to post a bunch of adorable pictures of her teenager sister with her oldest son Kai, who is 15 and was born in 2009.

As she commemorated the 11th anniversary of her heartbreaking loss, she expressed to her deceased sister that her love went "to the moon and back."

Coleen wrote alongside the post: "It's been 11 years since you left us. We always love and miss you, Rosie Mc."

I’m A Celebrity 2024: Meet The Star Cast!

Oti Mabuse has already won two Strictly Come Dancing trophies.

WIDELY RECOGNIZED FOR: Oti gained fame as a professional dancer on the popular British TV show Strictly Come Dancing, clinching the championship title in both 2019 and 2020.

Danny Jones is among the top picks of bookmakers to take the crown in this year's I'm A Celeb.

KNOWN FOR: Danny serves as one of the main singers and the primary guitarist for the pop-rock band McFly.

He is also a mentor on The Voice UK.

Former professional boxer Barry McGuigan is preparing to enter the wilderness.

KNOWN FOR: Barry earned the nickname The Clones Cyclone and held the WBA and lineal featherweight championships from 1985 to 1986.

GK Barry is a popular TikTok influencer who has recently become part of the ITV team on the show Loose Women.

NOTED FOR: Grace is recognized for her humorous take on culture, lifestyle, and fashion. With a following of more than 3.6 million, she has recently become a member of the Loose Women panel.

ITV executives are anticipating that Dean McCullough will stir things up among the contestants.

NOTED FOR: Radio 1 DJ Dean has been brought on board by the producers of I'm A Celeb, with the expectation that his bold opinions will stir up some controversy.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Dean would be hosting the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show, having previously been the host for the afternoon segment.

Jane is most recognized for her role as a panelist and host on Loose Women.

WELL-KNOWN FOR: Jane gained recognition as a panelist and host of the show Loose Women from 1999 to 2002.

She came back as a regular panel member starting in 2013.

Jane embraces the opportunity after her highly publicized separation from her husband of two decades, entertainment agent Gary Farrow.

Back in 2021, the producers of I'm A Celebrity reached out to Melvin to join the show.

PROFESSION: DJ and television host

KNOWN FOR: His contributions to radio. Melvin was approached by the producers of I'm A Celebrity in 2021, but he decided to decline the invitation at the last moment.

He also made a notable appearance on Strictly during prime time in 2016.

According to reports, she has received the largest contract ever in the show's history.

KNOWN FOR: The Wagatha Christie lawsuit against her longtime rival Rebekah Vardy.

According to various sources, she has received an unprecedented offer for the show, surpassing Nigel Farage's £1.5 million deal from the previous year.

Alan Halsall is primarily recognized for his portrayal of Tyrone Dobbs on the long-running soap opera Coronation Street.

NOTABLE FOR: Alan Halsall, known for his role in Coronation Street, had to drop out of I'm A Celeb last year due to undergoing ACL Reconstruction surgery.

The producers have successfully persuaded the actor to return, and he is sure to attract a large following thanks to his enduring character, Tyrone Dobbs, on the soap opera.

Tulisa is returning to the music scene after getting back together with N-Dubz last year.

JOB TITLE: Vocalist and former judge on The X Factor

KNOWN FOR: Tulisa got back together with N-Dubz last year for a tour, after originally rising to prominence with the group in 2007.

In 2011, she took on the role of a judge on The X Factor and subsequently released her first solo album, titled The Female Boss.

Last year, she launched her fourth album in collaboration with N-Dubz.

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