It started out as a source of advice and support for expectant mothers on Facebook.

Eastern Daily Press: Marisha Chaplin with her partner Jon Hibbs and daughter Evie. Picture: MARISHA CHAPLINMarisha Chaplin with her partner Jon Hibbs and daughter Evie. Picture: MARISHA CHAPLIN (Image: MARISHA CHAPLIN)

But thanks to the power of social media a Brundall mother has helped raise £2,000 for couple Marisha Chaplin and Jon Hibbs who dreamt of having a second baby through donor eggs but could not afford the IVF treatment.

Kate Mancini, 36, from The Pastures, who has three children and two step-children, was one of 70 British mothers who raised the money through a secret Facebook group over the past seven months via online donations and raffles.

All the mothers, who had babies around May 2016, connected on Facebook through a separate public online support forum.

A secret fundraising group for Miss Chaplin, 25, and her partner from Nottinghamshire, came out of that.

Eastern Daily Press: A shot of Marisha Chaplin during the Facebook Live streaming of the video created by mothers around Britain. Brundall mother Kate Mancini is pictured from the video. Picture: May Babies 2016 Group/Becca Evans/Rebecca-Louise CatlinA shot of Marisha Chaplin during the Facebook Live streaming of the video created by mothers around Britain. Brundall mother Kate Mancini is pictured from the video. Picture: May Babies 2016 Group/Becca Evans/Rebecca-Louise Catlin (Image: May Babies 2016 Group/Becca Evans/Rebecca-Louise Catlin)

The big reveal to the couple was made on Sunday, July 16, via Facebook Live.

Mrs Mancini, who sells makeup online, said: 'I'm really lucky. I have never had any issues with fertility. The idea of not being able to conceive is heartbreaking. Marisha is a lovely girl and we wanted to do it for her.'

The original idea was thought up by Rebecca-Louise Catlin and the video was put together by Beca Evans, both from Wales.

Miss Chaplin, who also sells cosmetics online, believed she was doing a Facebook live on makeup advice but soon discovered the real message - portrayed by pictures of group members holding messages of support on a pre-recorded video.

On seeing the announcement, the Nottinghamshire couple broke down in tears.

'It was amazing when we saw her reaction. You wouldn't think it would mean so much to someone you haven't met before. Her reaction made it worthwhile. 'Everybody was crying,' Mrs Mancini added.

Miss Chaplin and Mr Hibbs have been together for a decade and have a daughter, Evie Hibbs, born on May 10, 2016.

She was born via donor eggs and IVF which was paid for by the NHS.

The couple met while they were teenagers and undergoing cancer treatment.

They have since had the all-clear but it left Miss Chaplin infertile.

She said: 'I cannot put into words how amazed I am. I feel like I'm living in a dream. I would love to meet the mums who helped us. They are selfless.'