UK Cameron Says Son`s Death An Indescribable Loss

Ivan, 6, had suffered from severe cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Britain's main opposition leader David Cameron said on Saturday the sudden death of his young son had left his family with a "hole in our life so big that words can't describe it".

Cameron made the comment when he thanked well-wishers for their support after the death of Ivan in hospital on Wednesday after being taken ill during the night.

Ivan, 6, had suffered from severe cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

In an email to Conservative party activists and staff, Cameron expressed gratitude for the letters, cards, emails and flowers his family had received and paid tribute to his son's memory.

"Bed time, bath time, meal time - nothing will feel the same again," Cameron wrote.

"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."

Cameron said he felt lucky to have been the father of "such a wonderfully special and beautiful boy".

Ivan was Cameron's eldest child and had required round-the-clock care on account of his disabilities. He has two other children, Nancy, 5, and Arthur, 3.

The Queen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown both offered condolences to the family on Wednesday and party leaders agreed to suspect the week's normally fractious Prime Minister's Questions session in parliament as a mark of respect.

A private funeral will take place on Tuesday.