She had been told her days were numbered after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, just 18 months after having a baby.

And now Tiffany Youngs, the wife of England rugby star Tom Youngs, is shocked and overjoyed after finding out her blood cancer is in remission.

The 32-year-old from Happisburgh said: 'It's a shock to be told you have to pack up everything and get ready to leave the world, and later to find out that's not going to happen.

'It's amazing news, but it still hasn't sunk in.'

Tiffany was diagnosed in 2014 and was informed in May last year that the illness would be terminal.

She said that after they passed on the news to their daughter Maisie, who is nearly five: 'She ran into school and told her teachers that 'my mummy's not going to Heaven anymore'.'

The family live in Leicester where Tom plays for the Leicester Tigers. He also has 28 caps for England's national rugby team.

Tom, who grew up in Aylsham, said on Twitter: 'We are back in the game. Thanks for all the love and support over the years. It's been a roller coaster. My wife is just amazing, see u all next season.'

MORE: 'It's unbelievably good news' – Wife of Norfolk rugby star in remission despite terminal cancer diagnosis

Tiffany, a trained beautician, said they were about to start a five-week break so they could enjoy time as a family.

She said: 'I will still have to be careful with my body and it will be some time before it is 100 percent, but now the world is my oyster.

'My husband has been incredible throughout the whole process, and so have my parents and family.'

Tiffany said they had never tried to hide the seriousness of her condition from Maisie.

She said: 'We explained everything to her - there were never any secrets.

'I explained that when I had lines or tubes inside, they were called the magic tubes that made mummy's hair grow back.'

Tiffany went to school in Happisburgh and Beeston Hall School in West Runton, before going to Gresham's School, where she met fellow pupil Tom. They moved to Leister in 2010.

Tiffany urged people to donate blood and platelets - blood cells that help form clots to stop bleeding - whenever they could.

She said: 'I've had blood transfusion during the treatment. Please donate because it is so important and can save people's lives.'