Cameron mourns death of severely disabled son, 6
“It is with great sadness that David and Samantha Cameron must confirm the death of their six-year-old son Ivan,” a statement said.
“Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, was taken ill overnight and died at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington in London, early this morning.
“David and Samantha would ask that their privacy is respected at this terribly difficult time.”
Cameron, 42, had spoken freely of his son’s condition and was frequently photographed with him on family days out.
His official Christmas card last year showed him cradling Ivan as his wife cuddled the couple’s two other children.
The tragedy means that both of the nation’s two top politicians have suffered the loss of a child.
British prime minister Gordon Brown’s first child Jennifer died in 2002, just 10 days after she was born prematurely and suffered a brain haemorrhage. His second son, two-year-old Fraser, has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Following the announcement, the weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions at the House of Commons was cancelled.
Instead, Brown and shadow foreign secretary William Hague, who is also Cameron’s de facto deputy, read out sombre statements of sympathy before a crowded house.
Queen Elizabeth II sent a private message of condolence to the Camerons, Buckingham Palace said.
Ivan, who needed round-the-clock care, could not walk or talk and had to be fed via a tube through his stomach.
He was forced to make regular visits to hospital for treatment.
Asked last year by the Daily Telegraph if he was worried that his son might suddenly die, Cameron said: “You’re quite philosophical about it.
“You know children like Ivan never make it to old age. You live by the day. But he doesn’t want to give up. This little person just wants to keep going,” said Cameron.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
