The three-year-old daughter of Wanganui mayor Michael Laws has been diagnosed with leukaemia and is also suffering from acute pneumonia.
Mr Laws announced yesterday he was taking indefinite leave as his daughter Lucy had been flown to Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland on Sunday.
After media and public inquiries Mr Laws today gave details of Lucy's illness.
In a statement he thanked all well wishers for their kind thoughts and prayers.
Mr Laws expected to return to Wanganui early next week, but his partner Leonie and Lucy would remain in Auckland much longer.
The couple asked that there be no more media inquiries as they dedicated their energy to supporting their children and making Lucy well.
Due to infection risk he asked that no further flowers be sent to Lucy.
Mr Laws has previously been involved in raising money for cancer research, selecting the Cancer Society as his chosen charity when taking part in the Dancing With The Stars television show last year.
- NZPA
