Rob Delaney announces his two-year-old son has died of brain cancer

The Catastrophe star's boy Henry was diagnosed with a tumour in 2016

Actor Rob Delaney has revealed that his young son has died.

The star - famous for his role on British sitcom Catastrophe - shared a heartbreaking post on Facebook to announce Henry's passing.

'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 began.

'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 went on to tell fans that his little boy struggled with other disabilities as a result of his illness.

[facebook] https://www.facebook.com/robdelaney/posts/1777274338971548 [/facebook]

'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 continued.

'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 41-year-old then took the opportunity to thank the medical professionals who cared for Henry and supported his family throughout the toddler's battle with sickness. He also encouraged his followers to help others in need.

'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 added.

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A photo posted by on

[/instagram]Rob Delaney posted a picture with one of his children in 2015

'If you'd like to help other families in the UK with very sick children, please make a donation to Rainbow Trust or Noah's Ark 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.'

Rob ended his extremely moving statement with a very touching tribute to his baby boy.

He added: '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.'

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