Margaret Ritchie has revealed that she is living with breast cancer.
The former SDLP leader lost her South Down Westminster seat in the 2017 general election.
She says the diagnosis came as a shock.
Many people have taken to social media to wish her a speedy recovery.
Hoping for a speedy recovery for Margaret Ritchie BBC News – Margaret Ritchie reveals she has breast cancer https://t.co/fG0gdjroA5
— Kevin Cooper (@photolinepic) June 7, 2018
Our thoughts are with our former MP for the South Down area, Margaret Ritchie, at this difficult time. Thankfully, she is "looking forward to recovery and restoration to full health".
You can find out more information… https://t.co/Ne5ObHs811
— Citizens Advice NMD (@CABNMD) June 7, 2018
As MP for Strangford I often came across Margaret Ritchie who assisted my neighbouring MP for South Down. She is a hard working representative for the South Down people.
— Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) June 7, 2018
Very brave decision by @MRitchieSD to go public with her battle against breast Cancer. A characteristic she has shown in all aspects of her life. I hope she has speedy recovery 🙂 we need more people like her about the place.
— Malachy Quinn (@MalachyQuinn) June 7, 2018
