Chantelle, the wife of the late footballer Joe Thompson, has announced that she is expecting a baby through IVF treatment using frozen embryos. Joe, a former player for Manchester United and Rochdale FC, passed away in 2025 at the age of 36 due to complications from Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Expressing her joy, Chantelle stated that while the baby would never replace Joe, the prospect of bringing their child into the world was incredibly meaningful to her. She shared that before Joe’s passing, they had envisioned a family together, including a baby boy. Remarkably, Chantelle became pregnant on her first attempt at IVF following Joe’s death.
Recalling a poignant moment with Joe before he passed away, Chantelle mentioned how he envisioned her interacting with their children in the garden, a memory that holds special significance for her. She revealed that she is currently 25 weeks pregnant and will soon discover the baby’s gender alongside Joe’s family.
The couple had tragically experienced the loss of their child Dre, who passed away just days before his due date. Despite their previous struggles with IVF, Chantelle expressed gratitude for the successful pregnancy and felt reassured by the timing and messages she received from Joe.
To commemorate Joe, friends, family, and fans are planning to retrace his 2024 fundraising walk on May 2, starting from Rochdale and ending at Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford. Chantelle emphasized the importance of continuing Joe’s legacy through such events and cherishing his memory.
Approaching the anniversary of Joe’s passing on April 17, Chantelle admitted to feeling apprehensive but highlighted the importance of finding positivity in challenging circumstances. She reflected on the enduring impact of Joe’s absence on their family and the need to carry forward his spirit through their journey.
