Last updated at 00:12
Former British number one tennis player Elena Baltacha has died of liver cancer, aged 30.
Born in Ukraine and raised in Scotland, Baltacha revealed she had the illness in March.
Baltacha, who was British number one for nearly three years, only retired from the sport in 2013.
"We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," said her husband Nino Severino.
He added: "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."
She was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, aged 19.
Despite her illness and multiple injury problems, she went on to reach the Australian Open third round in 2005 and 2010 and reached a career-high world ranking of 49.
She won 11 singles titles, made the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and was part of Great Britain's Fed Cup team for 11 years.
Lawn Tennis Association head of women's tennis Iain Bates said: "Today we have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis - a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend.
"We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women's tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news.
"All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena's family. We will miss you Bal."
A host of stars including Andy Murray, Ross Hutchins, Martina Navratilova, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Jamie Murray, Jonny Marray, Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson have agreed to take part in a fundraising event, The Rally Against Cancer - Rally For Bally, which will now be held in her memory on 15 June.
The mixed doubles exhibition matches at the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club, the Aegon Classic in Birmingham and the Aegon International in Eastbourne will raise money for Royal Marsden national cancer charity and Elena Baltacha Foundation.
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