A Kent MP is urging people not to put off visits to the doctor during Covid-19 after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis.

The Chatham and Aylesford representative posted on her Facebook page today to inform constituents.

The mum-of-one from Aylesford said she intends to keep working through her treatment but will be unable to attend Westminster in person.

The statement read: "Unfortunately I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It came as a bit of a surprise but it has been caught early and I’m now being treated and supported by the excellent team at the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

"It does mean that it looks unlikely I will physically be in Parliament before Summer Recess, but I have organised for a proxy vote in my absence and applied to be able to participate virtually as from next week. I shall be doing casework and emails, supported by my brilliant team, which I hope reassures constituents that I shall still be working hard for them while I undergo treatment.

"I am incredibly competitive but, on this occasion, won’t be playing nicely and intend to go into this challenge with my studs up!

"May I take this opportunity to encourage people to regularly check their bits n bobbins and go and see their GP or call NHS 111 upon finding or seeing anything irregular. There is a concern that during the coronavirus pandemic people have not be going to their GP for fear of “being a burden during this busy time”, catching Covid-19 or mistakenly thinking that their local doctors isn’t open. The key to a better Cancer outcome is catching it early so please, if you are worried, talk to your doctor.

"For my sake and that of my other half and young son, I intend to remain positive but would be grateful for your understanding and respect for my privacy on this particular matter over the coming weeks and months."

Well wishers have left comments showing their support for the MP.

One said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery. Definitely the best MP I have had in my 50 years on this planet."

Another said: "So sorry to read your news Tracey. I know that with your outlook on life you will fight this head on and win. I am routing for you as you have fought for us your constituents."

The 44-year-old was first elected as MP for Chatham and Aylesford in 2010 becoming the first Conservative MP for the seat.

In 2015, she was re-elected with an increased majority and soon became the Minister for Sport.

It was during this time she fought hard to reduce the maximum stakes for fix-odd betting terminals from £100 to just £2.

The changes were announced in May 2018, but after hearing there would be a delay in enforcing the law, Ms Crouch resigned in protest in November 2018.

In her letter to Theresa May, Ms Crouch said delaying the law until October 2019 was "unjustifiable" and could cost lives.

This prompted government to bring the measures forward and they were instead introduced in April 2019.

Ms Crouch also became the world first loneliness minister in 2018 when the government announced its strategy to tackle loneliness in communities.

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