Hannah Deacon, a medical cannabis advocate from Kenilworth, has passed away at the age of 45 after a battle with cancer. Deacon is best known for her successful campaign to secure medical cannabis treatment for her son, Alfie, who experienced up to 30 seizures daily due to epilepsy. Her efforts culminated in a significant change in UK law in 2018, allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
Deacon’s advocacy began when she discovered that Alfie’s condition improved while using cannabis-based medication in the Netherlands, where it was legal. This prompted her to petition the UK government, leading to national attention and support for her cause. Following the legalization of medical cannabis, Deacon continued her work to advocate for other families facing barriers in accessing the treatment through the NHS.
A statement on her website announced her passing on May 6, stating, “We are heartbroken to share that Hannah Deacon died… after a short and brutal illness.” Her partner Drew and children, Alfie and Annie, were by her side. The tribute described Deacon as “determined, tenacious, and fiercely compassionate” and highlighted her role in changing the lives of thousands by pushing for broader access to medical cannabis.
In recent weeks, Deacon had stepped down from her leadership roles in organizations like the Medcan Family Foundation and Maple Tree Consultants, which focus on helping families access cannabis-derived medications. Throughout her advocacy, she remained committed to improving care and understanding of medical cannabis.
Alfie Deacon’s life was transformed after starting medical cannabis treatment, and by 2022, he had been seizure-free for two years. Hannah’s dedication to her children was at the core of her fight; she aimed to create a kinder and fairer world for them. Her contributions to the medical cannabis movement will be remembered by many as they continue to advocate for patients’ rights and access to necessary treatments.
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