Camerons 'overwhelmed' by support

The Camerons have expressed their thanks for those who cared for Ivan

David Cameron has said he and his wife Samantha have been "overwhelmed" by the letters and flowers sent in condolence following the death of their son Ivan.

"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."

The six-year-old, who had epilepsy and cerebral palsy, died on Wednesday.

In the e-mail, details of which were released on Saturday evening, Mr Cameron said: "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.

'A better place'

"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."

Mr Cameron, who has two other children, Nancy, five, and three-year-old Arthur Elwen, added: "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."

Mr Cameron had been an MP for Witney, in Oxfordshire, for less than a year when Ivan was born in April 2002.

He suffered from Ohtahara syndrome, a very rare form of epilepsy characterised by spasms which start in the first days of life. Some children can suffer as many as 100 seizures every day.

Friends said the experience of caring for Ivan broadened Mr Cameron's political outlook and made him a passionate supporter of the NHS, which helped provide round-the-clock care for Ivan.

The Camerons have asked people to send donations to Mencap or the Friends of St Mary's Hospital rather than send flowers.