'Thank you, our beautiful boy'

After the death of his son, David Cameron writes: 'He leaves a hole in our life so big that words can't describe it.'

(REX FEATURES)

David Cameron has spoken publicly for the first time of the desperate loss he and his wife, Samantha, are experiencing after the sudden death of their "wonderfully special and beautiful boy", Ivan.

In a heart-rending message to supporters, the Conservative leader said nothing in the lives of his family would ever be the same again after the Camerons' six-year-old child died last week. He said the couple, and their other two children Nancy, five, and Elwen, three, had "gained more than I ever believed possible" from his short life.

Ivan, who suffered from severe cerebral palsy and a rare form of epilepsy, died on Wednesday morning after the family had spent a happy Shrove Tuesday evening together making pancakes at home.

Using his weekly email to 80,000 party staff and activists, Mr Cameron, who is taking a fortnight's compassionate leave, wrote: "Sam and I have been overwhelmed by all the letters, cards, emails and flowers we have received about Ivan. Sending an email this week just gives us both a chance to say a big 'thank you'. It means a lot to know that others are thinking of us and him.

"We always knew Ivan wouldn't live for ever, but we didn't expect to lose him so young and so suddenly. He leaves a hole in our life so big that words can't describe it. Bedtime, bathtime, mealtime – nothing will feel the same again. We console ourselves knowing that he won't suffer any more, that his end was quick, and that he is in a better place. But we all just miss him so desperately.

"When we were first told the extent of Ivan's disability I thought that we would suffer having to care for him, but at least he would benefit from our care. Now as I look back I see that it was all the other way round.

"It was only him that ever really suffered and it was us – Sam, me, Nancy and Elwen – who gained more than I ever believed possible from having and loving such a wonderfully special and beautiful boy."

A small private funeral for Ivan will take place this Tuesday in the village of Dean, west Oxfordshire, near Mr Cameron's constituency. It will be attended by family members and those involved in Ivan's 24-hour care.

The Camerons have received thousands of messages of support, including many from bereaved parents and those who have experienced living with a disabled child.

Well-wishers are asked to send donations to one of the family's chosen charities: Mencap, the Friends of St Mary's Hospital, Friends of Jack Tizard School, Helen & Douglas House, Twickenham, or Shooting Stars House, Hampton, Middlesex.