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Catastrophe star Rob Delaney's two-year-old son dies of cancer

'I am desperately sad right now, but I can say with authority that there is good in this world'

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 10 February 2018 11:15 GMT
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Actor Rob Delaney reveals son's death in heartbreaking post

The two-and-a-half-year-old son of Rob Delaney, Henry, has tragically died after a brain tumour battle.

The Catastrophe co-writer and star announced the news on Friday (9 February) in a moving Facebook post simply titled "Henry" in which he asked for privacy.

Delaney revealed that Henry had been diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after his first birthday and, after undergoing surgery and treatment in early 2017, the cancer returned. Henry died in January.

“My wife and Henry's older brothers and I are devastated of course,” Delaney wrote, bravely. “Henry was a joy. He was smart, funny, and mischievous and we had so many wonderful adventures together, particularly after he'd moved home following fifteen months living in hospitals.

“His tumour and surgery left him with significant physical disabilities, but he quickly learned sign language and developed his own method of getting from A to B shuffling on his beautiful little bum. His drive to live and to love and to connect was profound.”

Delaney mentioned his wife and brothers, crediting them for their “love-in-action” which is keeping him sane during the grieving process, as well as the National Health Service nurses, doctors, home carers and charity workers who aided Henry during his treatment.

“I am desperately sad right now, but I can say with authority that there is good in this world.

He capped the emotional post, writing: “Thank you, beautiful Henry, for spending as much time with us as you did. We miss you so much,”

The actor asked readers who wished to donate to head to Rainbow Trust and/or Noah's Ark and to do so in Henry's memory.

Following Delaney's announcement, tributes poured in for his young son on social media from names including Dwayne Johnson, Rian Johnson and Aisling Bea.

You can read the full post below.


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