A statement posted on the site said: ‘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.’
In a post on Facebook, Laura – who is also deaf – praised those for their support and said: ‘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.’
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 said,
‘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 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.
‘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.’
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.
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.
‘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.’
Laura added: ‘For those who not sure about trying football, there’s no pressure playing, enjoy it while you can.
‘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.’
In a statement, 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.
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