Blackcaps bowler Blair Tickner and wife Sarah have been rocked by a shock leukemia diagnosis, during his county cricket stint with Derbyshire.
Tickner has revealed his wife's illness in an emotional Instagram post, thanking friends and family for their support and positivity during this difficult time.
"Life has dealt us a really bad hand this time," he wrote. "This strong and beautiful woman will get through any challenge.
"Sarah has recently been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing treatment in the UK, until she is in remission.
"We have no doubt she will get through this and we can have the family back together."
The couple were married in 2022 and have a nine-month daughter Florence. They also manage the 13th Stag cafe at Hastings.
Tickner, 30, has appeared 34 times for New Zealand and made his test debut against England last year, while his home province was being ravaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
His most recent outing for the Blackcaps was a one-day international in Pakistan last May.
He scored 47 runs off 48 balls for Derbyshire overnight, taking 1/49 with the ball against Sussex in the English county championship.
