Michelle Stepney from Cheam, south London, thought she might lose the twins she was carrying when she was found to have cervical cancer at 19 weeks.

With the babies still in the womb, Michelle underwent eight lots of chemotherapy and she and her husband Scott endured a torrid time wondering whether the twins, or mum, would survive.

Thankfully, the treatment was successful and Michelle gave birth to two healthy girls. More good news followed earlier this year when she was given the all-clear from the deadly disease.

"It was devastating to find out I had cancer," Michelle said. "But I wasn't worried about me, all I cared about was my babies.

"They could have chopped my head off as long as they were okay. It was very, very hard, but I made myself try to ignore the cancer and enjoy the pregnancy, because I knew it would be my last.

"Now, to hear you are free from cancer, well, you just feel wonderful, you can walk down the road and just take a breath of fresh air."

The 35-year-old from Morden Road was rushed to St Helier last September when she began to bleed heavily.

Initial investigations found nothing, but doctors then discovered a tumour and diagnosed cervical cancer.

After conferring with doctors at the Royal Marsden, Michelle embarked on the chemotherapy and at 33 weeks her dreams came true when she delivered two tiny babies by Caesarean.

Having been given the all-clear, she can now enjoy life with Scott, twins Alice and Harriet, and four-year-old son Jack.

"My family were there for me throughout, and kept me so strong," she said. "I am ever grateful to the people who treated me, and would especially like to thank Professor Kaye, Mr McWhinney, Mr Ind and nurses Nicola Kane and Jane Allen."