03/03/2009

Ivan Cameron's Funeral Held Today

The funeral for Conservative Leader David Cameron's eldest child Ivan has been held today.

The six-year-old suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and severe cerebral palsy. Ivan, who required round the clock care, died in hospital last Wednesday.

Mr Cameron and his wife Samantha – who have two other children, Nancy, five, and three-year-old Arthur - attended a private service for family and friends at a church in Oxfordshire.

Mr Cameron has described himself as "overwhelmed" by the letters and flowers sent in condolence.

"It means a lot to know that others are thinking of us and him," the Tory leader said in an e-mail sent to party members, activists and staff.

"He leaves a hole in our life so big that words can't describe it... we all just miss him so desperately."

At House of Commons question time, Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears sent her "very warmest thoughts" to Mr and Mrs Cameron "at this difficult time for them".

Junior communities minister Iain Wright said: "I'm sure the whole House will want to say our thoughts and prayers are with David and Samantha on what must be a particularly unbearable day."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat communities spokeswoman Julia Goldsworthy also expressed her sympathies.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 September 2010
Prime Minister Pays Tribute To Late Father
Prime Minister David Cameron has paid tribute to his father Ian, who died yesterday after suffering a stroke while on holiday in France. Mr Cameron paid tribute to his father in a statement, describing him as "an amazing man" who "touched a lot of lives in lots of different ways".
25 February 2009
David Cameron's Eldest Son Dies
Conservative Leader David Cameron's eldest son Ivan has died in hospital, a party spokesman has confirmed. Ivan, who Mr Cameron described as "wonderful", was a regular in-patient at St Mary's hospital in Paddington. The six-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, needed round-the-clock care at the family's west London home.
19 January 2015
PM Defends Letter Sent To Senior Muslims
The Prime Minister has defended a letter sent by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to the Muslim Council of Britain as "reasonable, sensible and moderate". The letter called on the council to explain how Islam "can be a part of British identity".
06 February 2014
Second Day Of Tube Strike Continues
Millions of commuters who use the London Underground face a second day of disruption because of strike action. The strike is over planned job cuts and ticket office closures. The disruption is due to end at 9pm, with tube services returning to normal. A limited Tube service is in place after the first of two 48-hour strikes began on Tuesday night.
17 April 2013
Thousands Line Streets For Baroness Thatcher Funeral
More than 2,000 dignitaries from around the world have attended the funeral of Baroness Thatcher at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Queen has led mourners as they paid their last respects at the biggest such occasion since the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002.