TIFFANY YOUNGS, the wife of former England rugby union star Tom, has died following a brave, eight-year cancer battle.
Tiffany was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma – a type of blood cancer – shortly after the birth of daughter Maisie in 2014.
Tiffany Youngs, wife of ex-England star Tom, has died following a lengthy battle with cancerGetty Images – Getty
InstagramTiffany Youngs was first diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2014, shortly after the birth of daughter Maisie[/caption]
InstagramTributes have poured in for Tiffany Youngs after a Leicester Tigers statement confirmed her tragic passing[/caption]
She battled the illness for three years before being told it was terminal and, despite briefly being told she was in remission, Tiffany has sadly lost her fight with the disease.
Youngs’ former club, Leicester Tigers, confirmed the tragic news on their website.
A statement read: “Leicester Tigers are deeply saddened by the news that Tiffany Youngs has passed away after her heroic battle with illness.
“On behalf of everybody at the club, we send our condolences to the Youngs and Sands families.
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“The club will be providing no further details and asks that the Youngs and Sands families have their privacy respected at this time.”
Tiffany leaves behind 28-cap former England international husband Tom, 35, and daughter Maisie.
A host of elite rugby clubs passed on their best wishes, while fans were quick to pay tribute to brave Tiffany.
One tweeted: “Desperately sad news about such a brave lady.
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“The length of Tiff’s life has been unbearably short but the width is measured by the hearts she’s touched and the good that she’s done.
“I hope that will eventually bring some comfort to Tom, Maisie and the family. Rest in peace.”
Another wrote: “Awful news that everyone hoped we’d never have to see.
“Strength and love to Tom, Ben and the whole Youngs & Sands clan.”
A third added: “Heartbreaking news… thoughts & condolences to Tom & the whole family.
“I can’t imagine their pain but maybe a little comfort at this time is that the rugby world is here to support in any way possible & whenever needed. RIP Tiffany.”
Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2014, Tiffany was told she had between one month and one year to live in 2017.
However, in 2018, she was informed she was in remission – before the cancer returned.
Last year, ex-British and Irish Lions hooker Youngs was granted “indefinite leave” by Leicester Tigers to care for his wife before he retired this spring.