Rob Delaney’s son Henry died of a brain tumour

AMERICAN TV comedian Rob Delaney and his wife Leah were sitting in a café outside the Whittington Hospital in Archway, nervously waiting for the results of a MRA scan on their one-year-old son.

Suddenly, a doctor rushed in and called the couple back to the ward, where it was confirmed that their son, Henry, had a large brain tumour at the back of his head.

Tragically little Henry died a year later in June 2018. His struggle inspired Rob’s book, A Heart That Works, that mixes pain and tragedy with humour. It will move all readers and could offer great support to those in a similar situation.

Rob – well-known for his Channel 4 TV sitcom Catastrophe – said he was grateful for the help and support shown by local hospitals the Whittington and Great Ormond Street.

He also writes about his love for Britain’s NHS compared to the for-profit American health system. “It’s such a glorious institution that I almost can’t believe it exists,” he says.

There is also praise for two children’s charities which he supports, Noah’s Ark and the Rainbow Trust.

And he sings the praises of Hampstead Heath’s “beautiful and bucolic” freshwater lakes where he and Leah would go to unwind, de-stress, relax and swim while Henry was being treated in hospital.

Interestingly, Rob is more in favour of the English system of childbirth than the American. For a start Leah saw a midwife rather than an obstetrician which she preferred.

“All hail NHS midwives and the British method of preparing to welcome a baby into the world,” he writes. “If you’re American and reading this, you deserve to know that she (Leah) didn’t even have to present an insurance card at these visits.” Nor did she need to hand over a fixed £40 medical fee.

Throughout Henry’s illness the couple, and their two other sons, aged two and four, were living in a rented flat after arriving from America.

Henry was admitted to Whittington Hospital where nurses were described as wonderful, and at least 13 turned up for the little boy’s memorial after he died. Leah was highly impressed with the hospital’s new birthing centre. She was able to have a water birth for Henry – which she couldn’t with the other two boys in the US due to high insurance costs.

The first year of Henry’s life was a happy time for the whole family and then came concern about his health over an inordinate amount of vomiting.

When it was time for surgery Henry was moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. It was here that staff carried out a 13-hour operation to remove the tumour. While Henry was recovering the couple were given hospital accommodation next door. “It was not unlike a college dorm room, and I really can’t overstate how wonderful it is that the hospital provides this service,” he writes. “Henry fell in love with the nurses and so did we.”

The biggest smile he’d ever seen on Henry’s face came when a small therapy dog and female volunteer entered his ward. Rob admits he’s not a fan of dogs but Lola was marvellous and spread happiness wherever she went. “Henry instantly wriggled out of my lap and onto the floor so he and Lola could kiss and hug. He was so happy.”

Rob said he believes that for some holding a dog can be as important as chemo, radiation and any surgery. His heart goes out, he said, to the Surrey-based Rainbow Trust, and Noah’s Ark children’s hospice in Barnet.

“The trust pair you with a support worker who spends a few hours with you each week, helping in any way they can. Our support worker was named Fiona – and boy, was she the best.”

Noah’s Ark was also wonderful. “My heart nearly skips a beat think­ing of them. Trained nurses offered me and Leah respite, play work­ers played with Henry, and there were outings for Henry’s brothers.” He was “bonkers” about a play worker called Lucinda and his music therapist, Kirsty.

Rob writes: “An hour with a Fiona, a Kirsty or a Lucinda brings immeasurable peace and joy to a child who is grappling each day with pain, frustration, boredom and fear. The happiness I associate with that children’s hospice is boundless, and I will be grateful until I die and beyond.”

• A Heart That Works. By Rob Delaney. Published by Coronet, £16.99