Dan Haslam was a courageous young man who advocated fearlessly for the use of medical cannabis right up until his death yesterday.

Diagnosed with terminal cancer at just 20 years of age, Dan dedicated himself to promoting a cause he believed could bring some relief to people suffering from painful, life threatening diseases such as his.

By all accounts Dan was determined to live his life to the fullest extent possible. He never gave up, he rarely if ever complained, his fighting spirit knew no bounds.

Dans death is a tragedy, but his story is an inspirational one. It must have taken incredible strength to continue speaking out on something he was so passionate about given the daily battles he was experiencing to fight his worsening disease.

Over four years he had major surgeries on his bowel, liver and peritoneum. He underwent constant bouts of chemotherapy and radiation. Just the very thought of chemotherapy would cause him to vomit before he even arrived at the clinic.

Routinely hospitalised with dehydration, his only way to get by after yet another chemotherapy session would be to remain perfectly still in a dark hospital room whilst he received IV fluids. Lying there he must have thought about what he could do to improve his quality of life and the quality of life of others enduring what he was going through.

He preserved, he campaigned, he empowered himself and stirred many others into action. He made an important and timely contribution to public debate.

Dan made a difference.

He will be sorely missed by friends and family in Tamworth and by everyone who came into contact with him during his tireless advocacy.

Our condolences to his friends and loved ones.

May he rest in peace.