91Èȱ¬

The thoughts, prayers and best wishes of so many people are with tonight, and with his wife Margaret and their family. Just ten days after we broadcast an extended end-of-the year interview with Derick, in which he spoke so powerfully about his battle with Leukaemia, he was readmitted in the Belfast City Hospital.

A bone marrow biopsy revealed the need for further intensive chemotherapy, and Derick has been receiving intensive care since that admission to hospital. His body has struggled against an infection, which left him feeling drained, and, this weekend, his family and friends posted the following update on :

"The medical news to-day about Derick is not good. His liver is failing and the doctors say that in human terms there is little that can be done. Derick's body is very weak but Margaret and the girls are encouraged that he is at peace and has been able to communicate words of solace to them. Please pray that as events unfold Derick will continue to experience divine peace and protection and the family will be given strength for whatever is ahead."

You can listen again to Derick speaking about his experience on the 91Èȱ¬ Sunday Sequence website, and read more about the letters Derick has written narrating his response to his cancer diagnosis.

Update (19 February): I understand that doctors are pleased with the progress Derick has been making this week, with the help of antibiotics, to fight the infection he acquired. This has also been an extremely difficult time for Margaret and their family. Let's hope Derick is able to return home to them soon.