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Camerons say farewell to son Ivan | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
David and Samantha Cameron have held a private funeral for their eldest son, six-year-old Ivan, who died last week. | |
The service, attended by close family and friends, was at St Nicholas Church, Chadlington, Oxfordshire. | |
Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, was described as a "beautiful boy" by his parents. | |
Tory leader Mr Cameron, who has a daughter and another son, has said he was "overwhelmed" by the letters and flowers sent in condolence. | |
The Camerons arrived for the service holding hands, with Mrs Cameron wearing a black dress with blue polka dots and a red scarf. She carried a small bunch of flowers. | |
Mr Cameron wore a dark suit with yellow tie. | |
'Warmest thoughts' | |
He had been an MP for Witney, Oxfordshire, for less than a year when Ivan was born in April 2002. | |
He suffered from Ohtahara syndrome, a 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. | He suffered from Ohtahara syndrome, a 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. |
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". | |
This picture of Ivan was released by the Cameron family on Tuesday | |
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." | |
Liberal Democrat communities spokeswoman Julia Goldsworthy also expressed her sympathies. | |
For the Conservatives, shadow communities secretary Caroline Spelman thanked ministers for their "kind" words and said she would pass them on. | |
Friends said the experience of caring for Ivan broadened Mr Cameron's political outlook and made him a passionate supporter of the NHS. | Friends said the experience of caring for Ivan broadened Mr Cameron's political outlook and made him a passionate supporter of the NHS. |
"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 at the weekend. | |
"He leaves a hole in our life so big that words can't describe it... we all just miss him so desperately." | |
The Camerons have asked people to send donations to Mencap or the Friends of St Mary's Hospital rather than send flowers. | The Camerons have asked people to send donations to Mencap or the Friends of St Mary's Hospital rather than send flowers. |