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Tributes pour in for trailblazing reporter Vikki Orvice – who led the way for more female sports journalists – after she dies from cancer aged 56
- Pioneering sports journalist Vikki Orvice has died after long fight with cancer
- She inspired many women into the profession as The Sun’s athletics writer
- Orvice, 56, was a director of Women In Football and vice-chair of the Football Writers’ Association
- Tributes poured in on social media after the sad news was announced
Tributes have poured in for pioneering sports journalist Vikki Orvice after she lost her long battle with cancer.
Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and former England and Manchester United footballer Gary Neville led tributes on social media to The Sun sports writer, Women In Football director and Football Writers’ Association stalwart.
Orvice, 56, was a trailblazer for female sports journalists, inspiring many into the profession after becoming the first female football writer appointment by a tabloid in 1995.
Pioneering sports journalist Vikki Orvice has died following a long battle with cancer
She later became the paper’s athletics correspondent, performing the role with distinction for 16 years. Before The Sun, she had worked at the Daily Mail as a sports and news reporter.
Her husband Ian Ridley tweeted the sad news on Wednesday morning, writing: ‘My beloved, bright, brilliant wife Vikki Orvice passed away at 5am, able to defy the cancer no longer.
‘I am bereft, empty, but grateful for her life and her love. Those who feel the breath of sadness, sit down next to me.’
Olympic champion Dame Jess Ennis-Hill described Orvice as a ‘genuinely lovely woman’
Former England and Manchester United footballer Gary Neville tweeted his condolences
Tributes poured in, including one from Neville, who wrote: ‘I’m really sorry Ian to hear that. All my best wishes to you.’
Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill wrote: ‘She was such a genuinely lovely woman. I feel really lucky to have spent so much time with her over the years of my athletic career.
‘Lots of great memories and she will be truly missed. A very sad day. Thinking of you and your family x’
Marathon world champion Paula Radcliffe tweeted: ‘Vikki will be greatly missed. A true trailblazer for women journalists, and women everywhere.
‘Lived her life with integrity and courage, always thinking of others and treading her own path.’
Broadcaster Gabby Logan wrote: ‘So sorry Ian. Vikki was a pioneer for so many of us now following in her footsteps.’
Fellow journalist Jacqui Oatley wrote: ‘Devastated that our special WiF @vikkiorvice has been taken by cancer. She was a driving force for a change in football culture.
‘Spent countless hours/days making a practical difference via @WomeninFootball and @theofficialFWA to forge a pathway for the next generation.’
Former Team GB sprinter Darren Campbell joined the flood of tributes on Twitter
Former sprinter Katharine Merry also paid tribute to the popular athletics correspondent
Orvice covered athletics for The Sun for 16 years and British former runner Katharine Merry tweeted: ‘So so so sad to hear the passing of Vikki Orvice this morning.
‘For many many years she has been the familiar friendly face at athletics meetings. Many a wonderful conversation was had. I will miss her.’
Team GB sprinter Darren Campbell wrote: ‘Heart broken to hear the sad news this morning. Fantastic lady and journalist. My thoughts go out to her loved ones.’
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