As football’s most feared hardman, Vinnie Jones knew his short fuse and violent temper meant he was always a whisker away from self-destruction.
And he always credited his love for his wife, Tanya, for keeping him – just about – on the straight and narrow. So when Tanya tragically passed away, a year ago on Monday, many worried desolate Vinnie would lose control, and turn back to the alcoholism and anger that had blighted his life for years.
His partner of 27 years, with whom he has a son and stepdaughter, died aged 53 after a six-year battle with skin cancer. Vinnie refused to let heartbreak knock him off course, and has instead become more determined than ever to make Tanya proud of him – and to show others they don’t have to let grief
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