Hannah Deacon: A Trailblazer in Medical Cannabis Advocacy
The name Hannah Deacon has become synonymous with courage, determination, and unwavering advocacy in the fight for medical cannabis access. Her journey began as a desperate mother seeking effective treatment for her son’s severe epilepsy, and it evolved into a nationwide campaign that changed the law in the United Kingdom. Even after her passing, her legacy continues to inspire families, patients, and campaigners around the world. This article explores her life, her advocacy, the impact of her work, and the circumstances surrounding Hannah Deacon’s death and illness.
Hannah Deacon’s Early Life and Family Struggles
The Fight for Her Son, Alfie
At the heart of Hannah’s story lies her son, Alfie Dingley, who was diagnosed with a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy. Traditional medications and hospital treatments offered little relief, and the family was left exhausted by the relentless cycle of seizures and hospital admissions.
In a bold step, Hannah took her family to the Netherlands in 2017, where Alfie was able to access medical cannabis treatments not available in the UK at the time. The results were life-changing. Alfie’s seizures reduced dramatically, giving him and his family a chance at a more stable and fulfilling life.
Returning to the UK
Despite the success abroad, the family faced the heartbreaking reality that the treatment Alfie needed was not legally accessible back home in Britain. Hannah refused to accept this injustice, and what began as a personal battle soon transformed into a national movement.
The Advocacy and Law Reform
A Mother Turned Campaigner
Hannah Deacon quickly became one of the most recognizable voices in the campaign for medical cannabis legalization in the UK. Her tireless efforts, media appearances, and meetings with lawmakers put the issue firmly on the political agenda. She worked with charities, patient groups, and medical professionals to raise awareness and lobby for change.
Landmark Change in UK Law
Her persistence paid off. In November 2018, the UK government announced a change in legislation, making it legal for specialist doctors to prescribe medical cannabis under certain circumstances. While the law was limited in scope and many patients still struggled to gain access, the shift marked a turning point in the debate. Hannah’s fight had changed the landscape forever.
Professional Roles and Contributions
Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond her role as a mother and campaigner, Hannah Deacon took on several influential positions in the medical cannabis sector. She served as Executive Director of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, and as a director of Maple Tree Consultants. Through these roles, she worked closely with doctors, researchers, and policymakers to improve understanding and access to cannabis-based medicines.
Supporting Families
Hannah also co-founded and worked with MedCan Support, a charity dedicated to helping families of children with epilepsy navigate treatment options and the complexities of medical cannabis prescriptions. She understood firsthand the challenges families faced, and she made it her mission to ensure no one else felt alone in the struggle.
Hannah Deacon Death and Legacy
Hannah Deacon’s Passing
The news of Hannah Deacon’s death on 6 May 2025 shook the medical cannabis community and beyond. She passed away at the age of 45 after a short and aggressive illness. Tributes poured in from patient groups, advocacy organizations, and families whose lives she had touched through her work.
Hannah Deacon Cancer
While many tributes described her illness as sudden and brutal, it was later revealed that she had been battling cancer. Despite her declining health, she continued to advocate for others until the very end. The strength she displayed in her personal fight mirrored the resilience she showed in her public campaigns.
The Impact of Her Work
Changing Lives
Hannah’s advocacy was not just about legal reforms; it was about real families, real patients, and real lives. Many children like Alfie now have a chance to live seizure-free because of her efforts. She gave hope to families who had long felt ignored by the medical system.
A Global Influence
Her work resonated far beyond the UK. Patient groups across Europe and North America have cited Hannah as an inspiration. Her story was proof that determined individuals can challenge outdated laws and reshape public policy.
Remembering Hannah Deacon
A Woman of Courage
Those who knew Hannah describe her as compassionate, determined, and fiercely protective of her son and other vulnerable families. She did not see herself as extraordinary but rather as a mother doing what needed to be done. Yet in reality, she was extraordinary in her bravery and perseverance.
A Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Hannah Deacon lives on in every patient who now has access to medical cannabis in the UK and beyond. Her name will always be associated with groundbreaking change, and her story will inspire campaigners for generations to come.
Conclusion
The story of Hannah Deacon is one of love, resilience, and transformation. From a mother fighting for her son’s health to a national campaigner who helped reshape UK drug policy, her impact cannot be overstated. Even in her passing, her voice continues to echo in the ongoing fight for better access to medical cannabis.
Through her courage, she not only improved her son’s life but also opened the door to treatment and hope for countless others. The world will remember Hannah not for her illness but for the powerful change she brought, and her legacy will continue to guide advocates in the years to come.
