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Our deepest sympathies to David Cameron and his family

Wed, 02/25/2009 - 18:00

IVAN Cameron, the Tory leader's young son who died tragically this morning, suffered from a rare form of epilepsy that often causes sudden death.

Brave Ivan, six, who Mr Cameron has described as 'wonderful' had Ohtahara Syndrome - a severe and progressive form of epilepsy.

He had been in and out of hospital all of his life and the Camerons knew he was at high risk of a fatal seizure, so they were always braced for tragedy .

Tragedy ... Ivan with family

Tragedy ... Ivan with family

Ohtahara Syndrome is usually diagnosed within the first three months of life - in Ivan's case, his parents realised there was a problem within 24 hours of his birth.

Speaking in the past of his son's condition, David Cameron said: "We noticed he was having these very strange movements — sudden jerky movements.

"Initially we were told he was fine. Then we went to hospital and ran some tests and we were told he had a very rare condition.

"It's a combination of epilepsy and cerebral palsy."

Ohtahara Syndrome triggers 'tonic' seizures where the arms and legs suddenly stiffen and it does not respond to many of the anti-convulsant medicines used to control other forms of epilepsy. It is also associated with physical and mental developmental delays.

It affects just 0.2 per cent of people with epilepsy and for some reason is more common in boys than girls.

It is believed Ivan suffered a series of fits overnight at St Mary's hospital in west London and could not be saved.

Mr Cameron and wife Samantha were said to be devastated.

A Conservative Party spokesman confirmed the tragic news saying: “It is with great sadness that David and Samantha Cameron must confirm the death of their six-year-old son Ivan.

Privacy

“Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy, was taken ill overnight and died at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, early this morning.

The couple have two other children, Nancy, five, and Arthur, three.

Premier Gordon Brown - whose own son Fraser suffers from cystic fibrosis - said: "Sarah and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Ivan and we have sent our condolences to David and Samantha.

Happy ... the Cameron's Christmas card

Happy ... the Cameron's Christmas card

Getty

"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."

‘ The thoughts and prayers of the whole country are with David, Samantha and their family. ’

On learning of his son’s illness, Mr Cameron has said in the past: "It hits you like a freight train because all the expectations you have for your child change immediately."

Father ...Tory leader with sons Ivan and Arthur at Xmas service in York

Father ...Tory leader with sons Ivan and Arthur at Xmas service in York

The Camerons' worked tirelessly to care for Ivan and made no secret of his illness.

A special unit was set up at St Mary's hospital, near their north Kensington home, to deal with his frequent seizures and fits.

For more in formation see Epilepsy Bereaved and Epilepsy Action

my deepest condolencest to David and his family, hugs go out to them all, i no what it is like losing a child with server epilepsy as my friends son died last year. I too have epilepsy myself and i no what its like going in and out of hospital as when i got diagnosed last year on march the 7th i was in and out of hospital nearly everyday, i suffer from epilepticus partial status. If David see's this please no that we all are behide him and his family 120% and again hugs go out too them all .

if there any qeustions guys please email me on parklane_disabilityofficer@yahoo.co.uk

Comments

Re: Our deepest sympathies to David Cameron and his family

Submitted by xgi on Wed, 2009-02-25 - 20:08

My thought and prayers go out to the Cameron family. God bless

My thought and prayers go out to the Cameron family. God bless

Re: Our deepest sympathies to David Cameron and his family

Submitted by rikk on Wed, 2009-02-25 - 23:03
my sympathy for your loss.  rikk

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