Leicester Tiger have confirmed the sad passing of former captain Tom Youngs wife, Tiffany, following a long battle with illness.
Tiffany previously told The Backstory podcast she was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma—a form of blood cancer—in 2014 and fought the disease for three years before being told the illness was terminal.
Despite being informed she had between one and 12 months to live, Youngs’ wife then heard in early 2018 that she was in a state of remission.
However, the illness then returned with former England player Tom announcing his retirement in April to care for his wife.
The club said in a statement today: “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. Rest in peace, Tiffany.”
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma? (NHS)
Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. Clear fluid called lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains infection-fighting white blood cells, known as lymphocytes.
In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a particular type of lymphocyte) start to multiply in an abnormal way and begin to collect in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes (glands). The affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin.
Read more about the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma.