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Martin Crowe’s wife writes touching tribute a year on from the cricketer’s death

Lorraine Downes has written a heartfelt message to her late husband, who died last year.
Martin Crowe and Lorraine Downes

Martin Crowe and Lorraine Downes

It’s been one year since the passing of Kiwi cricket legend, Martin Crowe.

To mark the anniversary, his beloved wife Lorraine Downes has paid emotional tribute to her late partner.

“Many of the public knew him as a cricket legend,” Lorraine writes for the Cricket Monthly magazine.

“Right from the beginning of our relationship, I nicknamed Marty ‘my beautiful man’ and that is what he was to me – his heart so pure and transparent, so honest and so full of love. He was passionate, romantic, fun, and could be as cheeky as hell.

“That word ‘soulmate’ – we always felt that was true for us and that we were destined to be together. And we did indeed have a love story.

“From the day I met him, I found I could truly be just me with him, and I felt his genuine love so strongly. He was everything I ever dreamed for in a partner. His love for me, for us, our children and family, was relentless.

“I know how blessed we have been and I will be forever grateful to my beautiful man.”

Lorraine shared this heartbreaking image in March last year

Martin died last year after an eighteen month battle with Lymphoma. But despite the family’s tragic loss, with Martin being just 53 when he passed, Lorraine says the dreaded disease had a surprise upside.

“The hideous cancer that took him from us also saved him. It gave him the opportunity to stop and sit still and find out who he really was,” she wrote.

Lorraine, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1983, said that Martin had learnt a lesson through his illness, and had found peace with life.

“What a gift he has given to many. I will be forever grateful to you, my darling, for what you shared with me, for helping me grow as person, for showing me truly what living in the moment means, and what being loved and cherished feels like.”

Lorraine signed off that her partner will “never be forgotten.”

***You may also be interested in: How to talk to your kids about cancer.

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