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 Great Britain to a third-place finish at the World Deaf Football Championship in Italy back in 2016.
The England star’s body was discovered in woodlands by a member of the public on December 16 near Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich.
An inquest into her death was opened on December 28 at the Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, with the medical cause of death being given as ‘constriction of neck structures’. A later hearing is set for July 29.
Wiseman, who worked as a teaching assistant and idolised England legend David Beckham, leaves behind her ‘devastated’ wife Laura – who is also deaf – and their three-year-old daughter, Allie.
Gemma and Laura were devoted to one another and started dating in 2011 having met while playing football. They tied the knot on July 26, 2018, with Laura giving birth to their daughter almost exactly two years later, on July 24, 2020.
Since her death, a GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £8,100 – with tributes pouring out in honour of the ‘kind and caring’ footballer, who championed disability sports and was a mentor for young players in her home county.
Gemma Wiseman, who worked as a teaching assistant, leaves behind her wife Laura and daughter, three, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss
Team GB footballer Wiseman, 33, was found dead in woodlands days before Christmas, with the medical cause of death being given as ‘constriction of neck structures
Team GB footballer Gemma, right, pictured with fellow teammate and wife, Laura
A fundraiser has been launched following her death, raising more than £7,000. Gemma and her wife, Laura, are pictured during a romantic trip to Paris together.
A statement posted on the site said Gemma’s family and friends were ‘absolutely devastated’ by her tragic death.
‘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,’ the page said.
‘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.’
In a post on Facebook, Laura praised those for their support and added: ‘It’s ok to not be ok xx.’
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.
As well as taking bronze at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy, her sparkling career on the pitch also saw her scooping a third place at the 2013 Deaflympics in Bulgaria, and another third at European Football Championship 2011 for Team GB.
Speaking about those successes with the Norfolk FA, she said: ‘My biggest achievement is winning Bronze in Italy and it was the best team. We gave everything in those games, and it meant a lot to all of us. My other biggest achievements are getting the England FA caps and Olympic medal.’
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.
Off the pitch, she was a devoted mother and loving wife, regularly sharing snap shots of her family life on social media.
She also acted as a ‘role model’ for other young deaf players, taking part in events across Norfolk to support grassroots football.
Speaking about her passion, Wiseman told the Norfolk FA in 2021 it was vital youngsters had someone to look up to.
Admitting her idol as a girl was former England captain David Beckham, she added: ‘Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.
‘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.’
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 death.
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.’
She continued: ‘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
The pair shared a hilarious photo announcing Laura’s pregnancy on December 28, 2019, with Laura wearing an ‘I’m pregnant’ shirt while wife Gemma scratched her head in a ‘I’m not the father’ t-shirt
Lucindha Lawson, a team-mate of Wiseman’s, paid an emotional tribute to ‘one of the most wonderful human beings (Gemma is pictured with her wife, Laura)
Gemma, who played for England’s deaf squad, was proud of her sporting achievements – and shared this image of her first cap for the Lionesses 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.’
A third person 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.’
Gemma and Laura were devoted to one another. The pair started dating in 2011 having met while playing football and tied the knot on July 26, 2018. Laura gave birth to their daughter almost exactly two years later, on July 24, 2020.
The married couple were both champions of women’s football, and eagerly supported young female players getting into the game. Gemma also championed mental health charities online.
The pair supported Norfolk FA’s Inclusive Football Festival for Girls, with Gemma saying: ‘Girls who are not sure about playing football, you never know until you try and follow your heart.’
Laura added: ‘It’s important for girls to have a role model so they can see that we can do it, and nothing is stopping us from playing the sport we love.’
Gemma and Laura share a festive picture together back in 2016
In a statement to MailOnline, Norfolk FA said: ‘All at Norfolk County FA are deeply saddened to hear the news of Gemma Wiseman who tragically died shortly before Christmas. Our thoughts go to Gemma’s family and friends at this difficult time.
‘Gemma was a keen footballer who was well-known to the County FA as a player for local teams as well as competing internationally with the England and GB deaf squads.
‘Gemma’s family are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send off she truly deserves.’
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.
An inquest to determine Wiseman’s official cause of death will take place at Norfolk Coroners’ Court next year on July 29.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details