An Alliance MLA has said she has stepped back from canvassing for the upcoming council election after her husband received "bad health news".
Sorcha Eastwood said she and partner Dale Shirlow are "in shock" but remain "hopeful", and she thanked healthcare staff for their help and support.
The Lagan Valley MLA said that "for a while I will have to take things at a different speed as I care for my husband and prioritise family".
Read more: DUP will not 'weaken' stance on Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol, Jeffrey Donaldson says
The couple married on the day of the June 2017 Westminster election, with Ms Eastwood voting at a polling station in her wedding dress.
In a post on Facebook, Ms Eastwood said: "Folks, thank you so much for the messages and emails asking after me and wanting to check in.
"Unfortunately my husband Dale has received some bad health news. It has taken us some time to try and get our heads around this and things have moved very fast.
"We are still processing and things are still very raw. We are in shock, scared, but hopeful, and we are so appreciative of all your thoughts and prayers.
"Every election campaign I am always up front and centre, knocking as many doors as possible and doing my normal day-to-day thing of calling in at every event, at every hole in the hedge in Lagan Valley, but for a while I will have to take things at a different speed as I care for my husband and prioritise family.
"As ever, my office has been open throughout and my fantastic team are keeping the show on the road and dealing with all your queries."
Ms Eastwood said she hoped to be "out and about this week with our new normal".
She thanked the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the wider health service for their help.
The MLA said that staff "couldn't have been quicker and more supportive as we start to move through this journey", adding: "They are incredible people who are worth their weight in gold."
READ NEXT:
Alliance's Naomi Long defends party response to drink-driving controversy
Sinn Fein council election candidate facing 'fraud' complaint over nomination papers
Northern Ireland council election 2023: Dates, candidates, where to vote and more you need to know
Northern Ireland council election: List of all the candidates in the May 2023 poll
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
