Jonah Lomu in his role as ambassador for children's charity Unicef New Zealand. Photographed with his wife Nadene and their two children Brayley (L) and Dhyreille. Photo / Supplied
Jonah Lomu in his role as ambassador for children's charity Unicef New Zealand. Photographed with his wife Nadene and their two children Brayley (L) and Dhyreille. Photo / Supplied
Nadene Lomu, widow of rugby great Jonah Lomu, has broken her silence, thanking New Zealand - and the world - for their support.
Jonah died on November 18, aged 40, the day after returning to Auckland from World Cup-related travel through the UK, followed by a holiday in Dubai.
He was accompanied on the trip by Nadene and their sons Dhyreille, 6, and Brayley, 5.
It is believed that Jonah - who was on dialysis while awaiting a second life-saving kidney transplant - died from a blood clot on a lung.
"Thank you to New Zealand and the world for the support and love you have shown my sons Brayley and Dhyreille on the passing of their Daddy," Nadene said.
"While this is a hard time for us, I am grateful for the support from all of you that have over the last week spared a thought for our family.
"On behalf of not just me, but Brayley and Dhyreille, I would like to thank those in the media that have given us space and time as a family to grieve.
"Once again, thank you so much for your love and support, have a safe and happy Christmas with your family these holidays and enjoy every moment you can with your loved ones, you never know how long you have them with you."
Mrs Lomu's statement comes just days after the creation of the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust, which will help to provide for Dhyreille and Brayley.
Jonah Lomu's memorial service at Eden Park. Photo / Dean Purcell
The trust was launched by the New Zealand Rugby Players Association.
Mrs Lomu will not be a beneficiary of the trust or have control of its funds.
Speaking on behalf of the couple's two boys, Mrs Lomu said: "I am very grateful that people who have been touched through Jonah's life have wanted to give so generously to the trust that has been established for Brayley and Dhyreille. I will continue to work hard, as every good mother in this country does, to provide them with the best upbringing possible."
She said she hugely appreciated the generous gesture from those who launched the trust.
"This was done independent of my involvement and I am grateful that the boys will have that support growing up without their daddy in their lives," she said.
"The trust is there for the boys and I have every confidence the trustees, who will administer the trust, will do so in the best interest of our sons."
Jonah's tragic death caused a global outpouring of grief.
Nadene Lomu with sons Dhyrelle and Brayley are supported by her parents at Lomu's Eden Park memorial. Photo / Brett Phibbs
He was farewelled at four memorial services, including a public event at Eden Park, where tributes were paid by some of the greatest All Blacks, and by World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset, who had flown from Europe to be present.
Mourners have been left shocked at the state of the Lomus' finances. Despite being rugby's first truly global sensation, Jonah was broke when he died.
Jonah played 63 tests for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2002.
Mrs Lomu also asked the news services to respect her family's privacy as Dhyreille and Brayley ready themselves for their first Christmas without their father.
"This is a very difficult time for us, and we appreciate your support and love as well as consideration to let us all adjust to this new chapter in our lives."
