An talented Team GB footballer, who won a bronze medal for the UK alongside her wife, tragically died just days before Christmas.
Gemma Wiseman, 33, helped guide the United Kingdom to a third-place finish at the World Deaf Football Championship in Italy back in 2016.
Her body was discovered in woodlands by a member of the public on December 16 near Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich.
Wiseman, who worked as a teaching assistant, leaves behind her wife Laura and daughter, three, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss.
Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500.
England footballer Gemma Wiseman, 33, was found dead in woodlands days before Christmas
Team GB footballer Gemma, right, pictured with fellow teammate and wife, Laura
Wiseman, who worked as a teaching assistant, leaves behind her wife Laura and daughter, three, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss.
A statement posted on the site said: ‘On December 16, 2023, Gemma sadly took her own life. Her family and friends are absolutely devastated.
‘Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour. Everywhere she went she brought laughter and energy with her and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.
‘Gemma leaves behind her devoted wife, Laura, and three-year-old daughter who are at a complete loss without her.
‘We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So, if you are able to donate anything at all this would be hugely appreciated.
‘Laura is extremely grateful for everyone’s help and support at this difficult time.
‘It’s ok to not be ok.’
An inquest into her death was opened on December 28 at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, while an inquest to determine the official cause of her death will take place on July 29.
The medical cause of death was given as ‘constriction of neck structures’.
Wiseman, born on January 28, 1990, in Plymouth, Devon, had worked as a teaching assistant while she continued to play football for a number of local clubs.
In a 2021 interview with the Norfolk FA, Gemma said her football idol was David Beckham.
‘Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart,’ she told Norfolk FA.
‘It’s important to have the girls look up to as role models, so they can prove them wrong and be able to play the sport that they enjoy.
Wiseman won bronze at the Deaf World Championship alongside her wife in 2016
Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500 so far
Gemma Wiseman (centre) was found dead in woodland off Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich (she is pictured with England squad member Lucindha Lawson, right, and wife Laura
Gemma Wiseman is pictured alongside the other members of Team GB during their bronze medal run at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.
Lucindha Lawson, a team-mate of Wiseman’s, paid an emotional tribute to ‘one of the most wonderful human beings’ on Instagram, just a couple of days after her passing.
Alongside a reel of pictures together, Lawson wrote: ‘Gemma Louise Wiseman (Sanders) wasn’t just a team-mate and roommate; she was one of the most wonderful human beings – funny, caring, and truly special.
‘As my roommate at the Deaflympics in 2013, we shared countless memorable moments, even when we were left out because the other villas were too far away from ours alone.
‘Moreover, I’ll never forget the night out in Bristol during the GB training camp, sneaking into the town centre with a few girls. She drove us there, I believe, and what a brilliant night it was.
‘We didn’t get caught red-handed the next day (everyone knows about it now, but who cares anyway?!). We journeyed together as a team to Bulgaria for the Deaflympics in 2013, Bulgaria for the Euros in 2014, Thailand for the Worlds in 2015, and Italy for the Worlds in 2016. Our early 20s were filled with unforgettable parties and adventures.
‘I also fondly remember the times she stayed at my place and occasionally played for Fulham DFC with us. On one occasion, she unfortunately injured her hand during a match, and we laughed about it as she had a pea ice bag on her injured hand at my flat. Such a funny memory.
‘Gemma, it was a great privilege to have played beside you, one of the greatest players I’ve known, and to know you as a person. I had the honour of attending your beautiful wedding.
Tragedy: Gemma and her wife Laura are pictured smiling in a touching photo on social media
‘Thank you for having my part in your life; it means a million to me. The memories of those moments will be cherished forever. I deeply regret not doing more for our friendship, but I take comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. May you rest in peace without pain.
‘I will always be here to support Laura in any way possible for you. Fly high, and I trust my brother will take care of you on my behalf. Love you, will miss you, and see you later.’
Well-wishers were left distraught by Wiseman’s death, leaving messages of support for her family on her GoFundMe page.
‘So sad to hear this. I didn’t know Gemma but recognise her from the Deaf festival. I remember Gemma and Laura bringing Allie to the bear clinic to get some hearing aids for her bear,’ a commenter said.
Another added: ‘I’m so sorry to read this. We worked together back in 2014 for Break. Gemma had the sweetest kindest soul. We then saw each other on Sunday mornings as our little girls played football together. A happy, friendly face I would see now and again. So so sorry. Rest in peace lovely lady.’
Another said: ‘Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie. Gemma always had such a wonderful smile and bubbly personality when we bumped in to you around Blofield.’
In 2016, Manchester United legend Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams get the the 2017 Deaflympics.
The footballer-turned-pundit made the donation in response to a tweet from Team GB Women’s captain Claire Stancliffe when he discovered that neither the Premier League of the FA offered financial support for Great Britain’s deaf sides.
‘I will do it if they won’t,’ he tweeted in 2016.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
