David and Samantha Cameron are asking for donations in memory of their son Ivan to be made to Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House.

The Conservative leader and his wife — who will be holding a funeral for the six-year-old in West Oxfordshire on Tuesday — made the surprise request naming the Magdalen Road hospice and four other charities as they said they had been touched by the massive outpouring of sympathy for them.

Ivan, who suffered from severe cerebral palsy and a rare form of epilepsy, died on Wednesday morning after being taken ill the previous night.

He and his family had been to Helen House for respite care.

A Conservative party spokesman said: “David and Samantha are grateful for all the warm messages of support and condolence that they have received following the sad death of their son, Ivan.

“They have asked anyone considering sending flowers to instead make a donation to one of the charities named.”

Helen and Douglas House hospice founder Sister Frances Dominica said she had been surprised to be included in the couple’s request.

She added: “We are very grateful for any gifts, and very touched that they have asked that we would be one of the recipients.

“In times like this, really no words are adequate, but certainly any family who has experienced this tragedy will understand a little of what they are going through.

“Along with the rest of the country, we just want to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family.”

She said she had met Ivan and his family and added: “He was a very special little boy who had a very devoted and loving family.”

Today a minute’s silence was held in memory of Ivan at West Oxfordshire District Council’s budget meeting.

Council leader Barry Norton, who is also Mr Cameron’s agent for the Witney constituency, said: “The council decided a minute’s silence should be held as a mark of respect to show the family are in our thoughts.”

Special prayers are being planned at churches across West Oxfordshire on Sunday.

About 120 people are expected to attend Witney Community Church, based at The King’s Primary School, in New Yatt Road, and Pastor Gary Pizzey said: “During the morning service I will ask that we pray to support the family.”

Colin Hollies, leader of the Oasis Family Church, on Smith’s Estate, in Witney, sent a card on behalf of members.

Mr Cameron helped the church win an extended lease for its hall when it was threatened with closure 18 months ago.

Mr Hollies said: “We have always maintained a good relationship with Mr Cameron. He uses the facilities here up to six times a year when he meets other disabled families and groups.”

Mr and Mrs Cameron are now preparing for Ivan’s funeral, a private family event which is expected to be held in Dean, where they have their constituency home.

The four other charities named by the Camerons are: Mencap, Friends of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, west London, Friends of Jack Tizard School, White City, west London and Shooting Stars House in Hampton, Middlesex.

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