Jonah and Nadene Lomu with their children, Brayley and Dhyreille. Photo/supplied.
Jonah and Nadene Lomu with their children, Brayley and Dhyreille. Photo/supplied.
Jonah Lomu's widow has spoken out on the eve of the first anniversary of his death, thanking those who supported her and the couple's young sons.
All Black legend Lomu died on November 18 last year due to the kidney complications that had plagued him for 20 years.
He was40.
His wife, Nadene Lomu, issued a statement this afternoon ahead of the first anniversary of his death.
"Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of those people who have supported our boys and myself since Jonah's death a year ago," she said in the statement issued by the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association.
"There have been many of you who have helped us through the toughest year of our lives. At this especially difficult time we want to keep a low profile and not make any public appearances, which I am sure people can understand.
"While every day is a challenge without Jonah, this first anniversary is particularly poignant for us all."