THE comedian and co-star of Irish actress Sharon Horgan has shared a heartbreaking message about the death of his son.
The comedian, best known for playing the role of Rob in Channel 4 series Catastrophe revealed his 2-year-old son has died of cancer.
Rob shared a statement on Facebook, detailing the decline in his young son's health before he passed away.
Rob wrote: "I have very sad news. My two and a half year year old son Henry has passed away. Henry had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, shortly after his first birthday, following persistent vomiting and weight loss. He had surgery to remove the tumor and further treatment through the early part of 2017. Then the cancer returned last autumn and he died in January."
He described how the brain tumour affected Henry's daily life: "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. 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."
He said that the love he and his family have for each other will get them through the tragedy: "I am astonished by the love-in-action displayed by Henry's mom and his brothers. They are why I will endeavor to not go mad with grief. I don't want to miss out on their beautiful lives. I'm greedy for more experiences with them.
The NHS nurses and doctors and the home carers and charity workers who helped our family survive Henry's illness will be my heroes until the day I die. I am desperately sad right now, but I can say with authority that there is good in this world."
He asked people wishing to support him to donate to charities that help families of sick children: "If you'd like to help other families in the UK with very sick children, please make a donation to Rainbow Trust (https://rainbowtrust.org.uk) or Noah's Ark (https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk) in Henry's name or in the name of someone you love. Our family would be in much worse shape right now if it weren't for them. I would also urge you to take concrete and sustained action to support the NHS, however you can. Do not take it for granted.
Finally, I ask that you respect my family's privacy regarding this matter. I have nothing else to say that I haven't said here.
Thank you, beautiful Henry, for spending as much time with us as you did. We miss you so much."
Irish comics such as Aisling Bea and Chris O'Dowd and numerous celebrities reached out to the American comedian, expressing condolences.
So so sorry Rob. Our hearts go out to you and yours.
— chris o'dowd (@BigBoyler) February 10, 2018
Love you guys & missing lil H 🕷🕷🕷
— Aisling Bea (@WeeMissBea) February 10, 2018
Rob, my heart is broken for you and your family. All my love to you.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) February 9, 2018
So sorry for your heartbreaking loss.
— Tara Flynn (@TaraFlynn) February 10, 2018
Stay strong my friend. My ohana sends our love and light to you and your ohana.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 10, 2018
