SWANSEA football legend and cancer patient John Hartson is celebrating after becoming a dad for the fourth time.

The former Wales and Arsenal star's wife Sarah gave birth to their second daughter, Stephanie Cari.

She arrived in the world on Friday afternoon in Swansea, weighing in at 8lb.

The 34-year-old former striker was said to be "over the moon" with his new bundle of joy, particularly in the wake of his cancer battle.

He was handed the shock diagnosis that he had only hours to live back in July of last year — after doctors revealed his testicular cancer had spread to the brain.

The star had to be admitted to the city's Morriston Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.

Hartson spent almost a month in a state of unconsciousness while his wife Sarah staged a bedside vigil hoping he would make it through the ordeal to witness the birth of his child.

During that time Big John, who was brought up in Trallwn, was inundated with messages of support from well-wishers, including fans, along with his former clubs and celebrities including cyclist Lance Armstrong, who also battled testicular cancer.

John previously said: "The support I've had from inside and outside the world of sport has been incredible.

"It was hard with Sarah being pregnant, but my family were great, I've always had a supportive family."

But by December last year he had made such a strong recovery that doctors told him his cancer had been "virtually eradicated."

He described that day as the "brightest day for a long time."

The couple already have a daughter — Lena, and the football star also has two children from his first marriage.

Since his diagnosis, he has been doing all he can to raise awareness of testicular cancer and warned men to act quickly if they discover any lumps. He has also gone back to work as a pundit, including the S4C Welsh language football show Sgorio.

John previously said he would concentrate on his TV career at the moment.

"I've done all my coaching badges, so I'm a qualified coach as well, but I'm putting my coaching and managing on the backburner for now until I get my full health back," he added.

"I'm not strong enough yet, so I'll stick to television for now.

"To work on the training ground all day every day is quite demanding, and I'm not quite ready for that yet."

elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk