Andrew Lloyd Webber announces the death of his eldest son | Ents & Arts News

Andrew Lloyd Webber has announced the death of his eldest son.

Nicholas, a 43-year-old composer, had been transferred to a hospice while battling gastric cancer.

Her Oscar– the winning father said the family was “totally destitute” after his death on Saturday.

“I am heartbroken to have to announce that my beloved eldest son Nick died a few hours ago at Basingstoke Hospital,” Lloyd Webber wrote on Twitter.

“His whole family is reunited and we are all totally devoid.”

Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps as a composer, scoring the BBC’s Love, Lies And Records and a theatrical and symphonic version of The Little Prince.

He also produced his father’s Symphonic Suites at the Theater Royal Drury Lane in London.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer 18 months ago.

Lloyd Webber said the recent progression of his disease had left him “absolutely devastated”.

The 75-year-old, best known for his musicals such as Cats, The Phantom Of The Opera and Starlight Express, missed the opening of Bad Cinderella at the Imperial Theater in New York.

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What is gastric cancer?

Gastric cancer – or stomach cancer – occurs when cells form in the lining of the stomach and grow abnormally.

If the cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be treated.

There are many symptoms, some of which can be difficult to spot – the NHS says they include:

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Swallowing problems

• Feeling or being sick

• Indigestion

• Feel full very quickly

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Pain in the upper abdomen

• Feeling very tired

• A lump at the top of the stomach

According to Bupa, around 6,600 people in the UK get stomach cancer each year.