Former Norwich City loan striker John Hartson has spoken of his relief at being told cancer has been virtually eradicated from his body. The ex-Wales international said hearing the news that he was winning his battle against the disease was "my brightest day for a long time".

Former Norwich City loan striker John Hartson has spoken of his relief at being told cancer has been virtually eradicated from his body.

The ex-Wales international said hearing the news that he was winning his battle against the disease was "my brightest day for a long time".

He was diagnosed in July with testicular cancer that had spread to his brain. He was admitted to hospital in Swansea where he underwent emergency surgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.

He was released from hospital in August after completing the first phase of his chemotherapy treatment.

Hartson, 34, said today: "We've all been through so much and to get the news from the doctors that the cancer is going from me is fantastic.

"I would like to thank every single person that has taken the time to either write to me, phone me or leave a message online, your ongoing support is helping me through the battle of my life and is keeping Sarah and the kids upbeat in such terrifying circumstances.

"I'm not out of the woods yet, though this is my brightest day for a long time."