Fred Banning was a well-known and respected communications professional in the legal sector, who also became a prominent campaigner for the terminally ill to be given early access to Covid vaccines. He died on May 19, 2023, at the age of 40, after a long and courageous fight with stage four bowel cancer. His death has left a huge void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow campaigners.
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Fred Banning’s Career and Achievements
Fred Banning started his career as a journalist, working for various publications including The Scotsman and The Herald. He then moved into the legal sector, where he held senior communications roles at Pinsent Masons, CMS, and most recently, Addleshaw Goddard. He was widely regarded as one of the best in his field, with a knack for building relationships, delivering strategic insights, and creating engaging content.
He was also a passionate advocate for the legal profession, serving as a board member of the Legal Marketing Association and a mentor for aspiring communications professionals. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and sense of humor, as well as his professionalism and integrity.
Fred Banning’s Cancer Diagnosis and Campaign
Fred Banning was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February 2020, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. He was told that his condition was terminal and that without medical intervention he would have only nine months to live. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but none of them were effective in stopping the spread of the cancer.
Despite his grim prognosis, Fred Banning did not give up hope or lose his spirit. He decided to use his voice and platform to campaign for the rights of terminally ill patients to be given priority access to Covid vaccines. He argued that people like him were at a higher risk of contracting and dying from the virus, and that they deserved a chance to extend their lives and spend more time with their loved ones.
He launched a petition on Change.org, which gathered over 600,000 signatures and received support from celebrities, politicians, and medical experts. He also appeared on various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sky News, and The Times, to raise awareness and pressure the government to change its policy.
His campaign was successful in convincing the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to include people with terminal illnesses in group four of the vaccine priority list, along with those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. He received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in February 2021, and his second dose in April 2021.
Fred Banning’s Legacy and Tributes
Fred Banning’s campaign not only benefited himself, but also thousands of other terminally ill patients who were able to receive their Covid vaccines sooner than they would have otherwise. He also inspired many people with his courage, resilience, and positivity in the face of adversity.
He is survived by his wife Laura, whom he married in 2018, and his parents Ian and Anne. His family described him as “a wonderful son, husband, brother, uncle and friend” who “lived life to the full”. They also thanked everyone who supported him throughout his journey.
Many tributes have poured in from his colleagues and peers in the legal sector, who praised him for his outstanding work and achievements. Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsent Masons, said: “Fred was an exceptional colleague and friend. He had a huge impact on our firm and on our profession. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.” According to Legal Cheek, he was “one of the legal sector’s most popular communications professionals”.
Fred Banning’s campaign also received recognition from the government and the public health authorities. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Fred Banning was a remarkable man who fought tirelessly for terminally ill people to get access to Covid vaccines. His campaign made a real difference and saved lives. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.” Professor Wei Shen Lim, chair of Covid-19 immunisation for the JCVI, said: “Fred Banning was a brave and eloquent advocate for people with terminal illnesses. He made a compelling case for why they should be prioritised for Covid vaccines. We listened to him and we acted on his advice. He was a hero.”
Fred Banning’s cause of death was cancer, but he did not let it define him or stop him from making a positive impact on the world. He was a man who lived with purpose, passion, and compassion. He was a man who made a difference.
