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In an unbearably sad but beautifully expressed post on Facebook, Catastrophe star Rob Delaney revealed that his two year old son Henry, died of a brain tumour in January after fifteen months in and out of hospital. Henry had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after his first birthday. In Delaney’s announcement this morning, he pays tribute to a gorgeous child, his family and myriad carers.
“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.”
Delaney says, “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. ” He continues, “I am desperately sad right now, but I can say with authority that there is good in this world.”
We have so relished Delaney’s performances as Rob Morris in Catastrophe and all the belly laughs he’s given us in recent times- to imagine now what he was going through then while writing and filming one of our favourite shows gives serious pause for thought. It’s further proof that no one can ever begin to know what other people are going through in their lives. Our hearts and thoughts are with him and his family.