The 2-and-a-half-year-old son of Catastrophe star Rob Delaney, Henry Delaney, has died following a battle with a brain tumor, the actor announced on Friday.
Henry had been diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly after his first birthday, Delaney wrote in a Facebook post. He underwent surgery and other treatment in the first half of 2017, but the cancer returned in autumn. Henry died in January, according to his father.
“My wife and Henry’s older brothers and I are devastated of course. 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,” Rob wrote. “His tumor 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 credited the “love-in-action” efforts of his wife and other sons for keeping him sane while he is grieving, and the National Health Service nurses and doctors, as well as home care and charity workers, who helped Henry and his London-based family during treatment. “I am desperately sad right now, but I can say with authority that there is good in this world,” Delaney wrote.
Delaney directed those who wish to help other British families with sick children to donate to the Rainbow Trust or Noah’s Ark in Henry’s name. He also suggested that readers support the National Health service and “not take it for granted.”
After asking for privacy for his family, Delaney offered a message to Henry. “Thank you, beautiful Henry, for spending as much time with us as you did. We miss you so much,” he wrote.
Read the full post below.
