Lady Hilkka Brooking, the wife of West Ham and England legend Sir Trevor Brooking, has passed away. The couple spent 55 years married and regularly attended West Ham matches.

West Ham released a statement yesterday amid the passing of Lady Hikka Brooking. The statement read: “Everyone at West Ham United has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lady Hilkka Brooking, beloved wife of Club legend Sir Trevor.

“Lady Hilkka, a regular visitor to West Ham United fixtures home and away, both when Sir Trevor was a player during his illustrious career and then by his side ever since in his role as a magnificent ambassador of English football, passed away having been ill for several months.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Sir Trevor, his daughter Collette and son Warren, as well as grandchildren Harry, Amy and Hugo, at this very sad time.”

West Ham joint-chairman, David Sullivan, said: “We are all extremely sad to hear the news of Lady Hilkka’s passing. Hilkka was a hugely popular figure in the boardroom and throughout the club, always by Sir Trevor’s side and a passionate supporter of West Ham United. She will be greatly missed by everyone here.”

Sir Trevor was thankful for all the messages of support, saying: “I want to thank people for their kind messages and thoughts. Hilkka loved coming to West Ham United matches and always wanted the club to do well.”

Lady Hilkka married Brooking just three years after he made his West Ham debut in 1967. Everyone at West Ham knows how much of a legend Brooking went on to be at the club and still is. He spent 17 years at the club playing a huge 649 matches, scoring 102 goals. He helped the Irons win two FA Cups, scoring the only goal of the game in the 1980 final against Arsenal. Since leaving the club, Brooking has been a regular part of the boardroom and was caretaker manager on two occasions.

Everyone at The West Ham Way sends their best wishes to Sir Trevor Brooking and his family at this time.