Kate Ferdinand pays respect to Rio’s first wife on what would have been her 40th birthday

Caring Kate Ferdinand was determined to pay her respects to hubby Rio’s first wife on what would have been her 40th birthday.

The heavily pregnant star put aside her personal discomfort to meet up with tragic Rebecca Ellison’s parents to mark the poignant day.

Kate hugged Rebecca’s folks Lesley and Stephen and spent time with members of her family to pay tribute to the mother of the kids she has taken on as her own.

Snaps showed a touching get-together in Southend, Essex on Saturday evening.

Kate is stepmum to Rio's kids Tia, nine, Tate, 12, and Lorenz, 14 with his late cancer victim wife Rebecca.

A friend of the family said: “Kate was determined to attend the gathering despite being heavily pregnant and not finding it easy.

“Rebecca would have celebrated her 40th birthday and Kate was on hand to mark the occasion.

“It meant everything to Kate that she could show the Ellisons how much she cares by joining in the stroll and meal out.”