David Cameron's son has died...

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I have just heard on the radio that David Cameron's son Ivan has died.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family...

Nothing to say really. Worst nightmare we've all contemplated at low moments and some have actually stared in the face. Thinking of them.

Heart breaking

oh this is so desparately sad.

awful, sad news

How very sad.

I heard it on GMTV this morning. Very sad indeed.

So, so sad. Thinking of them all.

This is so sad. . Was also shocked at the Daily Mail (and probably other papers today) in their close up shot of the Camerons so obviously in the depths of grief - how utterly intrusive.

I thought the picture was completely cruel also.

I have to say the media made me angry yesterday also by stating they were wonderful parents because they addapted there house put in a lift and landscaped there garden. Which I think is wonderful of them........JUST

I think they would find any(vast majority) parent with a disabled child would do those things if they had the means.

There was an excellent article in the independent written by Ian Birrell, deputy editor whose daughter is profoundly disabled. I am so glad he said this bit in particular:

"Listening to some of the coverage in the media yesterday, there is a common sentiment expressed that Ivan's death will be a form of closure, that there might be a sense of relief that the struggle is over. This is a view that reveals so much about attitudes to people with disabilities. No one should be fooled: the only feeling will be one of numbing grief at the death of a cherished member of a family. People have asked me if the death of a disabled child is less traumatic, given that it is always a possibility. I can't imagine that the trauma is any less intense.

We are fortunate that Iona is still with us and that we can still enjoy her life. But no parent ever gets over the death of a child ? and a disabled child, even one with profound learning difficulties for whom life is a struggle and filled with pain, is no different. Our daughter's life brings us sorrow, but it also brings us intense joy and meaning. Ivan's death means only that, beside the happy memories, there will be a scar on his parents' hearts that can never be healed."

thank you heartinthecountry - that is spot on

So very true.....It shadows the statement of "Its for the best" well not for the people involved because they feel deep sorrow no matter what the circs!

I Think that sometimes the death of a disabled child is sometimes much harder beacuse of this attitude, and people dont realised how much time, effort and love are dedicatied to these children, especially when they are your 12 O'clock shaddow IYKWIM.

The Camerons are obviously truely dedicated parents its so sad that this sorrow has to be analized by speculative media.

Its lovely that people are writing True and realistic articals.

I saw Ian Birrell on Channel 4 on Wednesday night. Thanks for sharing the article.

thank you for bringing the article Heart, it is beautifully written and spot on. I have had to avoid discussing Ivan Cameron with my family as I know at some point they will resort to the 'all for the best' line.

I've already had the stunned pause from my mum last night when I announced that I'm not having the Nuchal scan and triple test for this baby I'm expecting. but that's another issue altogether.

Unbelievably insensitive Fio (hi!). Why do people do that?? Why do people think that?