By Carl Markham, PA Sport

England's midfielder Sarah Blanks has had more than her fair share of heartbreak recently, but the death of her mother puts yesterday's controversial 'golden goal' final defeat to India into perspective.

The side' co-captain has had a number of disappointments in her international career as she missed selection for the last Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur four years ago and then was only a travelling reserve for the Great Britain squad which went to the Sydney Olympics.

Her preparations for the Manchester Games were thrown into turmoil when her mother lost her long fight against a brain tumour a few weeks before the event.

The Leicester midfielder took time off from a training camp to go home, but she returned to the England squad with a steely determination to do well.

Blank scored the first in the fightback from 2-0 down in the final, but eventually had to settle for a silver medal after losing 3-2 in extra-time.

England coach Tricia Heberle had nothing but praise for the way Grantham-born Blanks managed to stay focused during the tournament after her family life had been turned upside down.

"We all have testing times in our lives and it has been particularly tough time for Sarah, but she is a true champion, like many of the other girls out there representing England," said Heberle.

"She has handled herself well. I think she has had to be strongly focused and has had tremendous support from those who are close to her."

Blanks herself fought back the tears after their devastating final defeat as the emotion finally began to show.

"I'm sure mum was looking down on us," said the incredibly mature 26-year-old, who in her sporting biography lists her mother as her hero and idol "because of her sheer determination and bravery".

"It has been a very difficult time, but friends and family have been tremendous. The team has been tremendous.

"I had to remain so focused. I was willing mum to hang on (for the Games), but it didn't happen."