David Cameron this evening wants to convey his thanks to the thousands of people who have sent messages of condolence and support to him and Samantha in the wake of Ivan's death last week.
Every Saturday evening he sends out an email to a number of party activists and staff and this week he has taken the opportunity to send a brief message expressing his gratitude to all those who have been in touch, not least because he is not presently in a position to acknowledge them all individually.
Some ConservativeHome readers will receive his email in any case, but many will not, so we have been asked to publish David's message in full so that everyone who has written to him knows how much he and the Cameron family have appreciated it.
It reads as follows:
"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 forever, 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. Bed time, bath time, meal time - nothing will feel the same again.
"We console ourselves knowing that he won't suffer anymore, 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."
Just received this email...It's made me shed a few tears all over again! I shall be thinking of them on Tuesday when Ivan is laid to rest.
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 28, 2009 at 19:14
It is a testament to The Camerons' character that they find time to thank us all for the support.
Posted by: Joseph S. | February 28, 2009 at 19:53
I also received this e-mail very unexpectedly.
It says a lot for the man that in his time of great sadness he can still acknowledge a message from someone who he has never met and probably never will.
At this time of grief may God be with you and your wife and family, David Cameron.
Posted by: steve foley | February 28, 2009 at 20:25
Yes Sally I can repeat your comment, and I wish I could just put my arms around them and comfort them!
Posted by: Patsy Sergeant | February 28, 2009 at 20:50
Ivan's passing reached out and touched us all. Since David became party leader we have felt a special connection with Ivan as we have learnt, through David, about this little boy's heartbreakingly difficult life.
Ivan Cameron's situation taught us all to understand and appreciate the good health that we so often take for granted.
God bless the Cameron family.
Posted by: Tony Makara | February 28, 2009 at 21:58
I have recently lost several members of my family - all from the older generation. It has made me re-evaluate my life and priorities and I am very conscious of the 'natural order' of a "clan" or family.
I feel desperately sorry for David, Samantha and their other children. I am sure they will miss Ivan terribly. I hope they will take comfort from the fact that he is now beyond suffering and that they did everything possible to make his short time on earth as happy and positive as it possibly could be.
I am not a relgious person; but the words from the Bible which Dylan reinterpreted come to mind:
To everything, turn turn, turn
there is a season, turn, turn, thun
And a time for every purpose, under heaven.
God bless.
Posted by: Donna Walker | February 28, 2009 at 22:43
Once again my best wishes go out to him and his wife at this terrible time.
Posted by: josh | February 28, 2009 at 22:56
I, along with other leading Ukippers, were very sad to learn of Ivan's untimely passing at such a young age. We "fruitcakes" extend our deepest sympathy to the Camerons and their family.
Posted by: UKIP campaigner | February 28, 2009 at 23:15
God bless them.
Posted by: Paul Oakley | March 01, 2009 at 00:37
Just wish to record my sincere sympathy to the Cameron family at this tragic time and praise them for their untimely efforts to give Ivan the best life possible. They should have no regrets. They did what they could to sustain a very special person. I wish them all all the comfort they need to heal their distress and above all hope for a very successful future.
My Best Wishes
Margaret Galbraith
Posted by: Margaret Galbraith | March 02, 2009 at 11:48
I would like to send my sympathies to the Cameron family on the loss of their precious son Ivan. I lost my disabled son, Morris, who also had severe epilepsy due to a genetic condition, in May last year. He was also six years old. It leaves a huge void in our lives that cannot be filled and the hurt and pain we feel is indescribable. My thoughts are with them at this sad time.
Posted by: Cindy Gray | March 04, 2009 at 15:30