A brave mum-of-two who beat cervical cancer has been left devastated at being given just months to live after the disease spread to her lungs.
Rachelle Waugh received the initial diagnosis in November last year and was given an intense course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy - a type of internal radiotherapy.
At a follow-up appointment in April, the 33-year-old was told she had overcome the cervical cancer, but her husband Keir says it was "just a little too late".
That is because the Whitley Bay couple were told by doctors that the disease had spread to Rachelle's lungs and revealed it was terminal - giving her just 17 months to live.
Keir, 35, said: "It is absolutely heartbreaking for our family. We have two girls who will grow up without their mum.
"It all still feels very surreal. The girls are handling it all with such incredible strength and bravery.
"Rachelle is just being the woman I married. She is awe-inspiring and an incredible human.
"She is doing her best to put things in place and not focusing on herself which is typical of Rachelle."
Doctors are holding off on further treatment for as long as possible, giving Rachelle a chance to make many long-lasting memories with Keir and their daughters Willow, nine, and Everly, five.
And the Waughs are planning to make the most of their precious time together before the lecturer in health and social care at Newcastle College begins palliative chemotherapy.
Keir, an events coordinator at the University of Sunderland, said: "Cancer has robbed us of the chance for us to go things as a family for years to come.
"We love going to Edinburgh and we wanted to go on more holidays. We are very family-orientated and even on our honeymoon we took the kids to Majorca.
"We want to create happy memories that will last a lifetime for the girls.
"We are planning on going to the Harry Potter studios in London, trips to Edinburgh and also holidays to Center Parcs.
"We just want to enjoy the silly little things in life together."
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Rachelle's friend Jennifer Ferguson which has raised more than £7,000 for the young family.
Jennifer, 33, said: "The terminal cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking, just horrific.
"Rachelle is a very good mum who always works hard. She's such a down to earth and funny person.
"The total raised so far just shows how well loved she is and I hope it helps."
Keir, who married Rachelle in April 2019, added: "It's incredible generosity.
"My old employers at the Customs House are also donating from their reopening gala show which is fantastic.
"The love and support we have received from friends, family and strangers is amazing and we cannot thank them enough."
To donate, go to https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-rachelles-family
