These photographs, artefacts, and audio-stories capture the Bannernan family’s experience with Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in early 2023. After being diagnosed with cancer and given two months to live, David chose VAD and died at the age of 75. As David explained to his local paper, The Village Pump, he felt VAD “just miraculously fell open for me because the Government were civilised enough to being in this voluntary assisted dying and there were doctors in the system who were willing to support it”.
For the last seven months of his life, David’s wife Helen fed him via a tube. As Helen explains in her audio story, David felt like an outsider much of the time – “he was red-headed, left-handed and a terrible conversationalist – he wouldn’t ‘chit-chat’, but he would talk and read about music, history, art, sport”.
Helen found going through VAD surreal: 3 days to go, 2 days to go, 1 day to go…..
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David asked Helen if he could pass away in their bed. He was worried that she might find it “a bit creepy”, but she said: “no, it’s our bed, it always has been”. Helen asked him what he would wear: “you know what you wear to weddings, and special occasions… but what would you wear for an occasion like this?” As it was in their bed, David wore his PJs – his Spiderman boxers, and a t-shirt, and passed away, at a time of his choosing, in their bed.
David Bannerman, a highly esteemed member of the Samford community, made a significant impact through his unwavering dedication and belief in making a difference. As the first person to undergo enteral administration of the voluntary assisted dying (VAD) substance, David’s decision underscored his conviction in the importance of end-of-life choices.
In a heartfelt recording, his wife Helen shared her fears and personal journey of acceptance as she came to terms with her husband David’s decision to access VAD, reflecting the profound bond they shared during this challenging time.
Listen to Helen’s Story
David’s lasting legacy in Samford encompasses his influential roles as the former president of the Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association (SDPPA) and the esteemed editor of The Village Pump. His unwavering commitment to community progress resulted in notable achievements, including spearheading restoration projects and establishing recycling stations.
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In the midst of a challenging cancer diagnosis, David made a deeply personal choice to pursue voluntary assisted dying, demonstrating his desire for control over his own suffering. With his family’s unwavering support, he died on Monday, 27 February 2023, two days after his son, Gavin’s 41st birthday, leaving behind a community that honours his memory and continues to be inspired by his unwavering dedication to positive change.
Listen to Kobie Clay -a clinical nurse consultant in the VAD program discuss the Bannerman’s Story