Chantelle Thompson's emotional update on expecting child after ex-Man Utd starlet's death

Expectant influencer Chantelle Thompson has delivered a heartwarming update about expecting her footballer husband's baby, a year following his passing.

The 36-year-old social media personality mourned the loss of her adored husband Joe Thompson last April, after he passed away at the age of 36 from cancer.

Chantelle, known prominently as a skincare influencer, announced her wonderful news that she is anticipating the arrival of her late husband's third child in February.

In her most recent Instagram entry, the influencer shared a poignant update on her pregnancy, noting this time she is navigating the path “by herself”.

Chantelle posted a video capturing her IVF journey – featuring hormone injections and medical visits.

The video also highlighted her emotional journey, showing moments like when she was seen shedding a tear while sitting in her car.

While speaking over the footage, Chantelle expressed: “I found myself in an unexpected situation, choosing to have Joe’s child without his physical presence.

“But, before he left, he confidently assured me I would have a baby boy and even told me his name.

“So, it feels more like a vow fulfilled rather than a mere decision.

Chantelle, who wed her late spouse Joe in 2016, also captioned the clip with a heartfelt note: “Certain life events simultaneously shatter and reconstruct you.

“Walking into an IVF clinic solo was never part of my dreams. But neither was losing Joe.

“Being informed that another natural pregnancy was impossible was tough, yet then came Athena, our little miracle.

“Returning to an IVF clinic wasn’t in my plans, especially not alone!”

She continued by saying: “Before Joe departed, amidst one of his spiritual experiences, he mentioned I’d have a baby boy… giving me the name as well.

“I completely trust what Joe experienced, and have faith in all he shared with me.

“So when my heart nudged me towards IVF, I listened... and on our first try, we succeeded in getting pregnant.

Chantelle and her late husband Joe celebrated the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Thailula-Lily, in September 2014, and welcomed a second daughter, Athena Rae, in 2022.

Tragically, Joe passed away a year prior, after battling cancer for the third time.

The footballer, who commenced his career with the Manchester United Football Academy, was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that had unfortunately spread to his lungs.