MP Nikki Kaye says thanks for "overwhelming" support after breast cancer diagnosis

Nikki Kaye, at Parliament in 2013. PHOTO/Mark Mitchell NZH

National MP Nikki Kaye has thanked her wellwishers, saying the messages of support she has had since revealing a breast cancer diagnosis have been overwhelming.

On Monday Kaye, 36, announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was standing down from her ministerial roles to get treatment.

In a Facebook post today sprinkled with love hearts, Kaye sent a thank you to the thousands of people who had sent messages of support.

Thank you so much to the thousands of people that have sent me beautiful messages of support over the last 24 hours. It...

Posted by Nikki Kaye on Monday, 5 September 2016

"It has been really overwhelming and very moving. I feel so grateful and loved that so many people have been so kind to send me a message."

"I want to particularly thank all of the people who have shared their personal story of fighting cancer, or caring for loved ones with cancer or people who are currently dealing with it. Thank you for your courage and kindness."

Kaye ended by saying she was trying to rest but hoped to respond at some point in the future.

She signed off "thanks heaps. xx" with a thumbs up sign.

New of Kaye's diagnosis came as a shock to many of her Parliamentary colleagues across the political spectrum yesterday.

Prime Minister John Key said at his Monday press conference he was confident she would recover and return to Parliament.

"Nikki is young, she is very fit, she's extremely determined and she's a fighter," he told reporters at his weekly press conference.

"I'm sure she's going to get through this and will be back with us."