David Cameron pays tribute to father

Published on Thursday 9 September 2010 11:35

PRIME MINISTER David Cameron this morning released a statement following the loss of his father Ian yesterday.

• David Cameron with his late father Ian

The Conservative leader praised his father for overcoming the health difficulties in his life and also paid tribute to French President Nicolas Sarkozy who helped him reach his bedside in Toulon after he had suffered a stroke.

Mr Cameron cancelled his duties in the UK and took a commercial flight to France yesterday after learning that his father had been taken ill.

Thanks to the assistance of Mr Sarkozy, he arrived at the hospital along with brother Alex and sister Clare shortly before Mr Cameron senior died.

A statement released by Downing Street on behalf of the premier and his family said: "Our dad was an amazing man - a real life enhancer. He never let the disability he was born with or the complications in later life get in the way of his incredible sense of fun and enjoyment.

"He touched a lot of lives in lots of different ways and was a brilliant husband and father.

"You could never be down for long when he was around. We will miss him terribly but have a bank of memories that can never be exhausted."

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The family's statement said: "This was unexpected and sudden, but he was having a wonderful holiday and was with great friends.

"Above all he was with Mum, to whom he was devoted, and he was happy - and the end came quickly. We will treasure all the joy he brought us."

The PM added: "I am extremely grateful to President Sarkozy, who helped me get to the hospital while Dad was still with us, so I could say goodbye.

"We would like to thank Nicolas and everyone at the hospital who worked so hard to look after Dad."

Mr Cameron stayed overnight in France, where Mr Sarkozy is thought to have put him up at his summer residence the Fort de Bregancon. It is not yet known when

he will return to the UK.

Ian Cameron was born with both legs deformed and endured repeated operations in an attempt to straighten them and ease his pain.

However, despite his disability, he forged a successful career as a stockbroker.