Coleen Rooney has opened up about the tragic death of her sister Rosie McLoughlin, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 14 from a chronic condition. The WAG returns to television screens in her and husband Wayne's fresh Disney+ reality series, The Real Rooneys, where she reflects on precious memories created at Disneyland Paris with her late sister.
Rosie's battle with Rett Syndrome
Rosie was born with Rett Syndrome, an uncommon genetic neurological disorder causing severe disabilities. The condition typically impacts girls and reduces life expectancy, hampering their capacity to speak, walk, eat and breathe. Coleen's parents, Colette and Tony, had welcomed Rosie into their family when she was two.
Coleen candidly revealed: "We adopted my sister, Rosie, who had a disorder. We fell in love with her straight away. Though she had no speech, we knew everything she wanted. She spoke with her eyes."
Heartbreaking final days
She continued: "We had lots of good times with Rosie, but she did have an illness which needed a lot of attention. When the time came, she got really poorly. Letting her go was heartbreaking."
Rosie was admitted to intensive care on multiple occasions as her condition deteriorated before returning to her Liverpool home for her final days. The devoted family enjoyed "one last sleepover" before hosting a celebration of Rosie's life. Rosie passed away in January 2013.
Precious Disney memories
Coleen also revealed previously unseen home videos from childhood, recalling how her first Disney holiday "felt like a dream come true". She laughed that Wayne was "just screaming" during a family challenge on Hyperspace Mountain.
"After losing Rosie, you know, we all went through a dreadful time. When we look back, we're so thankful we had her. Disney is a very important place for our family. Lots of good times with Rosie. Some really special times we've spent there," Coleen said.
Coleen had previously revealed in her Disney+ documentary that Rosie "struggled" as she "couldn't walk and she couldn't talk. She would be in pain and sick but she would still put a smile on her face." She explained: "Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder. Sometimes she used to force a laugh out, I think to make me mum and dad happy. Gradually her brain wasn't functioning and she couldn't eat anymore, she couldn't crawl anymore."
"To lose a child is the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone," said Coleen, who is the eldest of four siblings. "But when you look back now, she gave us so many good years of happiness and love."
The Real Rooneys: Disneyland Paris Special is available to stream on Disney+ from Thursday 1st October.
