THE family of Sinn Féin councillor Naomi Bailie have appealed for further prayers as she undergoes surgery after falling ill with meningitis.
Ms Bailie (30) remains in hospital almost one month after she was struck down by the potentially fatal brain condition and was yesterday due to undergo further surgery.
The mother-of-one is understood to have so far responded well to the treatment for meningitis, but has suffered complications from the illness.
Her family yesterday appealed for people to remember her in their prayers as she prepared for further surgery.
In a message posted on the Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin Twitter page, the family said: "Naomi needs your continued prayers. Please pray for her safe return from surgery".
Ms Bailie, who is married and from Ballygalett, is understood to have fallen ill on December 7 and was rushed to hospital.
She was left critically ill with the illness and was placed in an induced coma, but in recent weeks she has shown signs of improvement.
Her mother Sheila has previously praised the work of medical staff treating her daughter, who was the first chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council when it was created last year.
"She continues to be cared for by an excellent team of doctors and nurses," she said.
"We are all very moved by the prayers and support from the wider community."
