Tragedy of disabled Ivan, six
TORY leader David Cameron’s disabled son Ivan has died, it was announced today.
FAMILY MAN: David Cameron with wife Samantha, disabled son Ivan, daughter Nancy and little Arthur on a walk near his Oxfordshire home in 2007. Ivan died early today
A Conservative Party spokesman said: ‘‘It is with great sadness that David and Samantha Cameron must confirm the death of their six-year-old son Ivan.
‘‘Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, was taken ill overnight and died at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, early this morning.
‘‘David and Samantha would ask that their privacy is respected at this terribly difficult time.’’
Ivan was the Camerons’ first child, born at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London on April 8, 2002. He suffered his first seizure within weeks and was in and out of hospitals all of his life.
On learning of his son’s illness, Mr Cameron has said in the past: ‘‘It hits you like a freight train because all the expectations you have for your child change immediately.’’
They have two other children, Nancy, five, and Arthur, three.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown led condolences today - saying the loss of a child was something “no parent should have to bear”.
Mr Brown, whose own baby daughter died in 2002, said: “Sarah and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Ivan and we have sent our condolences to David and Samantha. I know Ivan was a child who brought joy to all those who knew him and his was a life surrounded by love. The thoughts and prayers of the whole country are with David, Samantha and their family.”
Today’s Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons has been suspended, Downing Street said.
To David and his family at this sad time, you are in my thoughts and I want to express my support to you as you are such an inspirational family and Ivan could not of wished for a better family to love him
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