Extremely sad news has just reached us.
David Cameron's son, Ivan, died earlier today.
The BBC has more.
Needless to say, we send our deepest condolences to David, Samantha and the Cameron family.
Jonathan Isaby
11.45am:
The death of a child is a terrible, terrible thing. Extra terrible to have to cope with such an enormity when in the public eye. There are probably no words of comfort that can help the Camerons today but we offer them our thoughts and prayers. Janet Daley has posted a beautiful poem.
We are all shaped by our experiences. Close friends of David Cameron all say that Ivan was a huge influence on him. It put his politics in perspective but it also contributed to his respect for the NHS and to his support for policies that help keep families together and strong.
The Conservative leader loved his son enormously. His family life was built around his care. All those close to the Camerons, and all those who visited his home, witnessed the huge demands involved in the care of such a severely disabled child. The amount of time that Cameron spent away from the office sometimes worried political advisors but every mother and father would understand why Cameron chose to devote so much time to his precious son and to support Samantha.
Politics will soon resume but Gordon Brown - who lost his own baby daughter - issued this statement:
"Sarah and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Ivan and we have sent our condolences to David and Samantha. The death of a child is a loss no parent should have to bear. 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."
Tim Montgomerie
Please convey the sincere condolences of all members of the Faversham Branch to David, Samantha, Arthur and Nancy. We pray that little Ivan may rest in peace.
Ernie Warner, Chairman, Faversham Branch
Posted by: Little Ern | February 25, 2009 at 11:18
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your little one Ivan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. God Bless each and everyone of you and give you strength to cope.
May he rest in Peace with the Angels.
God Bless x x x x
Posted by: Linda Hutton | February 25, 2009 at 11:19
I am sure that every single one of us who have ever contributed to ConHome will wish to send our deepest sympathy to the Cameron family.
Posted by: David Parker | February 25, 2009 at 11:20
This is terrible news, my heart goes out to David, Samantha and their family. As a parent I cannot imagine a harder thing to endure. My condolences.
Posted by: Cllr Lee Chamberlain | February 25, 2009 at 11:23
My sincerest condolences to Mr Cameron and his family.
Posted by: Daniel Deasy | February 25, 2009 at 11:23
My deepest sympathy and condolences to David and Samantha Cameron and their family.
Posted by: Chris Bullivant | February 25, 2009 at 11:24
A very sad and tragic event in anyone's life. A time when prayer and faith can be a great comfort. Rest in peace, little fellow and grieve in happiness for his life and wonderful family.
Posted by: oldrightie | February 25, 2009 at 11:31
Each man is a hero and an oracle to somebody
Rest in Peace Master Ivan
Posted by: Dan Craver | February 25, 2009 at 11:32
Very sorry to hear about this. All the best to the family.
Posted by: Raj | February 25, 2009 at 11:33
My heart goes out to all the family as they try to deal with their unimaginable grief. It is a huge credit to the Camerons that they have managed to remain joyful and optimistic, despite the terrible stress of having a child so seriously ill.
Posted by: Mark Fulford | February 25, 2009 at 11:33
My condolences to the Camerons, I doubt there are words to describe how they are feeling.
Posted by: RichardJ | February 25, 2009 at 11:37
I would also like to send my heartfelt condolences to Samantha and David Cameron and their family at this tragic time. As a parent, I simple cannot imagine what they must be going through at this moment in time.
Posted by: ChrisD | February 25, 2009 at 11:40
i'm not a tory nor shall i ever bring myself to vote for you, but i'm sorry about the death of Ivan Cameron, my heart go's out to your family Mr Cameron and your loss.
Posted by: Pete Parker | February 25, 2009 at 11:41
The Lasting Tribute website has updated its memorial pages to include young Ivan Cameron.
http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/cameron/3029472
It's a respectful memorial to Ivan and somewhere to pay tribute to the family's fortitude at this difficult time.
EVERY comment is monitored so that nothing offensive or inappropriate is published.
Posted by: Patrick | February 25, 2009 at 11:45
With my sincerest sympathies.
Robert Pulvertaft
englandism
Posted by: Englandism.co.uk | February 25, 2009 at 11:46
To the Cameron family, I send you my deepest sympathies and will pray for you and your beautiful son.
Julie Fagan
Posted by: Julie Fagan | February 25, 2009 at 11:46
Very very sad. RIP Ivan.
Posted by: Voice from the South West | February 25, 2009 at 11:56
Praying for the Cameron family today. There can be nothing sadder than to lose a child.
Posted by: Matthew Dear | February 25, 2009 at 12:13
Every parents' worst nightmare is now real for the Camerons. Sincere condolences from Mr and Mrs K. R. Lohse and family
Posted by: grumpy old man | February 25, 2009 at 12:13
Although not a big Cameron fan , I think this is a terrible loss for him and his family.
May God give them strength to get through this at this terrible time.
Posted by: gezmond007 | February 25, 2009 at 12:15
An unfathomable tragedy for the Cameron family. My deepest sympathies are with them.
Posted by: Dominic Hinko | February 25, 2009 at 12:16
Very sad news. Wishing the Camerons strength through these difficult times.
Posted by: Nicholas Keen | February 25, 2009 at 12:22
My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy are with the Cameron family.
Posted by: Sean Lever | February 25, 2009 at 12:26
This is very sad news indeed. David Cameron and his family will be in my prayers at Mass this evening.
May Ivan rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by: Richard | February 25, 2009 at 12:33
I was very sad to hear this today.
Best wishes to Mr Cameron and his family.
Posted by: keypointist | February 25, 2009 at 12:33
Incerdibly sad news. No parent should have to bury their child. My deepest sympathy to Mr Cameron and his family
Posted by: Toryboy | February 25, 2009 at 12:34
Rest In Peace Ivan, God bless you all.
Parliament was a credit to our nation today.
Posted by: Chris C. | February 25, 2009 at 12:37
How very sad, speaking as someone who has also lost a child, I know how Mr&Mrs Cameron must be feeling.
My heart goes out to them.
God Bless.
Posted by: Josephine | February 25, 2009 at 12:41
So sad. My love to the Camerons.
Posted by: Doug | February 25, 2009 at 12:43
Deepest sympathy.
Posted by: David Barnett | February 25, 2009 at 12:55
Awful news: a great shock and sadness.
Posted by: Stefan | February 25, 2009 at 13:00
Our deepest condolences and sympahty from Stone Conservatives, to David and Samantha Cameron, and their family.
Posted by: John Prendergast | February 25, 2009 at 13:06
As with everyone else I offer my condolences to the Camerons.
RIP Ivan. God Bless you, Mary keep you.
Posted by: Myles Bailey | February 25, 2009 at 13:16
I feel especially blessed to be the father of two healthy children and I cannot imagine what the Cameron family are going through - my heart goes out to them.
Ivan is at peace now and I am sure that a strong family like this will come to terms with his death and find peace in time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with David, Samantha and the rest of the family at this time.
Posted by: Iain Lomas-Walker | February 25, 2009 at 13:21
My deepest condolences to David, Samantha and family; a tragic and terrible loss.
Posted by: StevenAdams | February 25, 2009 at 13:24
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the whole family.
Posted by: Stuart & Eileen Jones | February 25, 2009 at 13:31
A very sad day, my thoughts are with the Cameron family
Posted by: Suzie Wong | February 25, 2009 at 13:36
To David, Samantha and family I give my sincere condolences. I hope that the media give David and his family the space that they in no doubt need.
Posted by: David Novakovic | February 25, 2009 at 13:37
As has been said earlier, this is every parent's worst nightmare.
The only consolation is that Ivan knew deep love and was greatly treasured throughout his short life.
Posted by: anne allan | February 25, 2009 at 13:40
My deepest sympathy to David and Samantha. Having looked after several families where this awful tragedy has happened, I know how difficult the next months will be, and hope the media will allow them the space to grieve.
Posted by: Annabel Herriott | February 25, 2009 at 13:41
any loss is bad, but the loss of a child is possibly the worst any person could bear.
my thoughts are with both mr and mrs cameron.
Posted by: chris southern | February 25, 2009 at 14:08
Very sorry indeed.
Deepest sympathies to all the family.
Posted by: SallyC | February 25, 2009 at 14:23
My heart goes out to you all. I pray that you are allowed to grieve as a family not as a "name".
Ivan will stay with you forever, in your love and hearts.
Posted by: Carol Elvin | February 25, 2009 at 14:34
My thoughts and prayers are with the Camerons on this Ash Wednesday.
Posted by: Goldie | February 25, 2009 at 14:47
My condolences to David and Samantha.
Posted by: Peter_M | February 25, 2009 at 14:55
Very sad news indeed.
Posted by: Julian L Hawksworth | February 25, 2009 at 15:01
Words are hopelessly inadequate in such a sad situation. My thoughts are with Samantha, David and their entire families.
Rest in peace little one...
Posted by: A Reformed Labour Voter | February 25, 2009 at 15:23
I am saddened by todays news of Ivan Cameron's death, I hope that the prayers of many many Conservative members will be of comfort to Samantha, David and their young children. Please let us all give them time to grieve but also to remember the good times with Ivan during his short life.
Posted by: Gillian Watson | February 25, 2009 at 15:39
So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace little angel.
Posted by: Sue B | February 25, 2009 at 16:07
My deepest sympathy for the Cameron family, my thoughts are with them at this difficult time
Posted by: Charles Lynch | February 25, 2009 at 16:31
David, I write to express my sincere condolence to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful son Ivan. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Posted by: Ross Melville Dawson | February 25, 2009 at 16:39
May God be with the Cameron Family in this sad occasion.
Posted by: steve foley | February 25, 2009 at 16:46
May God be with the Cameron Family and comfort them in their loss.
Posted by: steve foley | February 25, 2009 at 16:50
I am so sorry to hear this terrible news regarding Ivan Cameron. My thoughts are with you David and Samantha.
Posted by: Daniel Hay | February 25, 2009 at 16:51
Tragic news about Ivan Cameron. My deepest sympathies to David, Samantha, Nancy & Arthur
Posted by: Stephen Winfield | February 25, 2009 at 16:59
My sincere condolences to the Camerons; may Ivan rest in peace.
Posted by: Alex Fisher | February 25, 2009 at 17:14
My sincere condolences to David and Samantha at this very sad time.
Posted by: Tim Lumley | February 25, 2009 at 17:22
I can't even begin to imagine how they are feeling today
my thoughts and prayers and condolences
Robert Cooke
Posted by: Cllr Robert Cooke | February 25, 2009 at 17:33
As a father who has recently had his first child diagnosed with celebral palsy my heart goes out to the Cameron family on the loss of their beautiful son. I hope they can find some comfort in the fact that Ivan is at peace in a better place.
Posted by: Brian | February 25, 2009 at 17:37
My deepest sympathies to Mr and Mrs Cameron, absolutely heartbreaking.
RIP little one.
Posted by: Hardcore Conservative | February 25, 2009 at 17:38
Poor kid. At least he had a lot of love and care during his short life. God bless him.
My prayers are with David and his family.
Posted by: bobchilts | February 25, 2009 at 18:00
Oh dear, what very sad news. Deepest condolences.
Posted by: Matt Wright | February 25, 2009 at 18:15
Such a terrible loss of a lovely boy. My deepest and sincere condolences to David and Samantha.
Posted by: Robert Duffy | February 25, 2009 at 18:20
very sad my thought and feelings Are with the Camerons
Posted by: james cullis | February 25, 2009 at 18:35
such sad news. no parent should suffer the pain of losing a child. my condolences to the family.
Posted by: kathy williams | February 25, 2009 at 18:37
This is tragic, heartbreaking news. Such a young boy too.
Posted by: Votedave | February 25, 2009 at 18:54
My deepest condolences. They were clearly wonderful parents for Ivan - may he rest in peace.
Posted by: Rachel Joyce | February 25, 2009 at 18:57
Our sincere condolences on the sad loss of your lovely little boy.
Lindsay and Paul Kennedy
Posted by: Lindsay and Paul Kennedy | February 25, 2009 at 18:59
My heart goes out to the Cameron family at this tragic time.
As other posters have pointed out, Ivan was greatly loved, and treasured, and everything was done to make his too short life as comfortable as possible. And as others have said, he is out of pain now, and in a better place.
There are two famous poems that spring to mind:
“Death is nothing at all” by Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918 that starts: “Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room”.
Link: http://www.poeticexpressions.co.uk/poems/death%20is%20nothing%20at%20all%20-%20canon%20henry%20scott-holland.htm
And WH Auden’s “Stop all the clocks” [brought to public attention in “Four Weddings and a Funeral”] that starts: “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone”.
Link: http://blue.carisenda.com/archives/000803.html
Posted by: Jill, London | February 25, 2009 at 19:14
I wish to add my condolences to the Cameron family.
The loss of a child is tragic and reminds us that we should all live our lives not just for ourselves, but for our future generation.
I will give my own children a bigger hug than usual tonight.
Posted by: Silent Hunter | February 25, 2009 at 19:41
Deepest sympathies to the Cameron's.
The sad loss of this little chap has moved and touched me so much. God bless you David and Samantha.
Posted by: Peter Buss | February 25, 2009 at 20:19
Rest in Peace.
Posted by: eugene | February 25, 2009 at 20:23
Such sad news. But the Cameron family will I hope, gain comfort from the beautiful memories they have of Ivan, and the happiness he brought them.
Rest in Peace little fellow.....
Posted by: Ken G | February 25, 2009 at 20:33
Sincere and heartfelt condolences at this sad time to the Cameron family.
Posted by: Gary Farrimond | February 25, 2009 at 20:47
I was shocked when I saw this on the news this morning, I jumped up out of bed, text my girlfriend, called via intercom to the living room to have the news put on down there, I was shocked! I felt very sad and then after 12pm seeing George Osborne's face at what would've been PMQs, it hit home harder. He looked like he was trying not to cry. I hope the Camerons are being well looked after at this time and that they are also getting the space they need.
I would also like to add my condolences and express my deep sorrow for the loss of Ivan. My thoughts are with David and Samantha at this heartbreaking time.
Posted by: Tristan Downing | February 25, 2009 at 21:12
The fact the accusation towards Nick Robinson are allowed to remain on this website is very worrying to me. I for one am sorry I was mislead by the original commentor. One would think that a reputable website such as this would not allow these things to be said without some basis of fact. The fact it was posted is quite worrying. That's what moderation is for surely. I have sent an email but it appears the comments and comments on the original comment remain. I think an apology is owed for certain and the original offender of this statement (not sure who/where it originated from) be sanctioned in some way. An apology not just to those of us who were mislead but to Mr. Robinson himself (no matter your personal feelings for him, it is unfair). And really it sullies this entire thread.
Posted by: meli | February 25, 2009 at 21:13
We have already left a message on Lasting Trubute but would also like to say here how much, as parents & grandparents who have mercifully been spared the loss of either our children or much-loved grandson, we feel for Mr & Mrs Cameron. Our thoughts are with them on this most terrible of days.
Gillian & Peter Coe
Posted by: gill coe | February 25, 2009 at 21:37
My prayers and deepest sympathies for David and Samantha and all the family. May you know God's comfort at this sad time.
Philip Walker
Posted by: Philip | February 25, 2009 at 21:54
"is it true that Nick "Toenails" Robinson said on the BBC that Cameron can't expect any electoral advantage from this tragic event "as Gordon Brown has already lost a child of his own"."
No, it's total nonsense. Seems someone's immediate thought on hearing the news was to start hitting blogs to smear robinson. Bit of an odd reaction to a tragic event.
Here's what was actually said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpL3RBrnol4
The loss of child is a terrible thing for any family to go through but even worse when you're in the spotlight. My sympathy goes out to them.
Posted by: Si Thornton | February 25, 2009 at 22:08
Very sad when I heard. Thinking about and praying for the Cameron family. to lose someone who is so central to your life is extremely painful.
Posted by: AJJM | February 25, 2009 at 22:22
My condolences to the Cameron family. Tragedies such as this remind us of what is important in life. I trust that God will give the Camerons the strength to bear their great loss.
Posted by: Martin Wright | February 25, 2009 at 22:26
I shed a few tears when I heard the news of this bright little boy. It's a very sad day, a tragic and terrible loss. My thoughts are with David, Samantha and the rest of the family.
Posted by: Shirley W | February 25, 2009 at 22:35
Been out most the day. Shocked to hear this very sad news. I hope that David and Samantha are able to resume a normal life as quickly as possible.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | February 25, 2009 at 22:35
I was very sad to hear the news today. My thoughts are with all in the Cameron Family and close friends. We are used to seeing the family in Chipping Norton and want them to know that we are there to support them at all times.
Posted by: Caroline Buckler, Fairfax Estate Agents Chipping Norton | February 25, 2009 at 22:37
Our deepest sympathies to the Cameron family on the loss of their son Ivan. May the knowledge that he was so loved by his family help assuage the pain felt by David, Samantha and the rest of the family. Levesque Family, Canada
Posted by: George Levesque | February 25, 2009 at 22:42
Losing a child must be the most heartbreaking thing that can happen to anyone. I hope that everyone treats the Cameron family with kindness and respect at this difficult time. Also that thier privacy is not intruded on.
Today was one of those rare occasions when the House was united. Something like this makes political differences pale into insignificance.
Posted by: Angelina | February 25, 2009 at 23:36
I think that all the people of Medway, whom David kindly visited (with a hoarse throat!) for a "Cameron Direct" event here just last month, would wish to convey their condolences and thoughts to the Cameron family at this tragic time.
Perhaps the thought of all those arms of comfort being wrapped around the family, even if only metaphorically, will lend strength to them to help cope with what has happened and what lies immediately ahead.
Posted by: John Ward | February 26, 2009 at 00:57
A little angel in heaven. May God and his blessed mother take care of Ivan.
Posted by: patricia curran | February 26, 2009 at 01:32
Very sad news. My thoughts are with Mr Cameron and his family.
Posted by: M. Jamieson | February 26, 2009 at 05:29
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by: Tracey Heath | February 26, 2009 at 08:07
You're a Special Little Spirit,"
the all great Master said,
As he gently caressed the curly hair
of the Little Spirit's head
"You need to go to Earth
to spend some time, you know,
A place I send most Spirits
to be tested, to learn, and grow."
The Little Spirit, in sadness,
slowly bowed her head,
And from her eye a tear did steal
and down her cheek it shed.
"Don't you fret now little one,
I won't let you stay too long,
I'll bring you back home here to me,
You'll hardly know you've gone.
You're my choicest Little Spirit,
you're the apple of my eye."
And he wiped the tear and gently kissed
His Little Spirit "good-bye".
"I'm back," the Little Spirit whispered,
as she climbed onto her Master's knee,
And the Master said, "I told you so
you would not be long from me."
And then, the Lord, He noticed
still another tear in her eye.
"Why are you so sad, Little Spirit,
whatever should make you cry?"
"I'm glad I'm back," the Little Spirit said,
"but Master you must surely know,
When Your Angel came to get me,
I did not want to go.
I know You said You needed me,
and that I'd be gone the shortest while,
But Lord, couldn't I have had
a little longer earthly trial?"
The Master let the Little Spirit
slip down from off His knee,
He firmly took her little hand and said,
"Come walk with Me."
The Little Spirit and the Lord
slowly walked hand in hand,
As the Master explained her special part
in the great and marvelous plan.
"Now, Lord, I don't mean to argue,
I understand that you needed me home.
But I left in such a hurry,
I left my brother all alone.
I didn't let my mummy know
how much I loved her so.
I was too small to tell her Lord,
how will she ever know?
She'll feel she has been cheated,
and in a way, so do I.
I left so quickly without a word
how can I ever tell them why?"
"Little Spirit, I know your heart is heavy
with this message you need to share.
But you need not worry anymore,
I'll watch over your loved ones there.
I'll send them loving comfort
as a strong and helping hand.
I'll contend and give peace to their aching hearts,
so they will understand."
The Little Spirit looked up at her Master
and said "Thank You for explaining it to me.
And could you please tell them that someday They'll be here with me?"
"Yes," said the Lord with a smile and a nod,
I'll tell them all that I can.
Then the little spirit fell asleep in her loving Masters hand.
"I'll tell them that you're pure,
as pure as Heaven's Gold,
That I needed the warmth of your perfect soul
to keep Heaven from getting cold
Posted by: Anne-Marie | February 26, 2009 at 08:41
This is terribly sad. The photo of David holding and kissing Ivan is so touching. The love this photo captures is undoubtable and the emotions this evokes in everyone is unquestionable. It makes one stop and evaluate your own life and give thanks for what you have and those you have. No words can comfort David and Samantha and the Cameron family in their loss. Ivan was a remarkable little boy, and indeed in David's own words a "beautiful boy". Ivan's passing has deeply touched my own life and I'm sure thousands of other people too. I know this is an extremely sad time for David and Samantha but we should also highlight the unimaginable amount of love and joy that Ivan brought to everyone and also the love that he was surrounded by in return. Also we shouldn't forget that in his passing, he will not be forgotten and that although his life was a short one, it was an incredibly important one, not only for his family and those who knew him, but for all those with the same condition as Ivan and those to come. Ivan's legacy for this illness will be a tremendously important one and praise must be given to his parents for sharing Ivan's disability and struggles with us, to bring attention to the disability that Ivan dealt with since he was born. May this "beautiful boy" sleep peacefully now and may his parents and family find the strength and peace in these difficult days and the near future. God bless you Ivan and you all. x
Posted by: Gillian Heley | February 27, 2009 at 10:25
Heartfelt and deepest condolences.
Posted by: Keith Munro | February 27, 2009 at 11:52