Chantelle Thompson, the widow of former professional footballer Joe Thompson, has announced she is expecting a baby boy after successfully undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The news comes as a poignant reminder of both love and loss, which Chantelle articulated in a heartfelt social media post.
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Joe Thompson, who played as a midfielder for Rochdale AFC, passed away on April 17, 2025, at the age of 36. His battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, spanned over a decade, with three diagnoses during that time. Despite his struggles, Joe had previously bounced back from cancer twice and returned to the pitch, but relapsed in 2024 with stage four Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Chantelle, now 29 weeks into her pregnancy, described the experience as “bittersweet but beautiful.” Speaking to the BBC, she explained that she and Joe had engaged in detailed discussions about having children in the event of his passing. Determined to keep their family’s dreams alive, they decided before his death to proceed with IVF treatment.
“I am really proud to be carrying his baby,” she shared, reflecting on the couple’s shared hopes for their future during more optimistic times. The couple already had two daughters together: Thailula, aged 13, and Athena, who is three years old. Indeed, Joe and Chantelle had envisioned expanding their family, and their plan continues as she prepares to welcome their third child.
In a candid Instagram update, Chantelle revealed she conceived on her first attempt at IVF, a surprising turn of events given that she had initially faced challenges in conceiving naturally. “Walking into an IVF clinic on my own was never part of the plan,” she wrote. “But neither was losing Joe.” Her comments encapsulate the extraordinary mix of emotions she has experienced since her husband’s death.
Despite Joe’s absence, she finds solace in their past conversations. “He even gave me his name … I trust everything he told me,” she stated, indicating that she felt guided by Joe’s spirit throughout her pregnancy journey. This deep connection represents how they approached parenthood together, even in adversity, further reinforcing her belief that love transcends even the most profound loss.
Chantelle was first drawn into the reality of Joe’s cancer diagnosis in 2013 and faced the cancer battle alongside him for years. After receiving the all-clear on two occasions, Joe retired from football in 2019 but tragically succumbed to the illness in 2025. In one of her reflective moments about grief, Chantelle used the analogy of waves, emphasising how feelings of loss ebb and flow in unpredictable ways.
While the journey of fertility treatment was never intended to be without Joe, Chantelle is focused on her future and expresses gratitude for each step of the way. “This isn’t just about having a baby. This is about love continuing, even after loss,” she wrote in her April 7 post. The sentiment resonates further as she acknowledges the enduring presence of her husband in her life.
Looking ahead, Chantelle remains hopeful for the next chapter of her life with her daughters and the new addition to their family. The strength she has shown amidst adversity captures not only her personal journey but also the resilience shared by many families facing similar challenges. As Chantelle prepares for the arrival of her son, she reflects on the importance of family, love and the continuity of hope, qualities that Joe believed in deeply.