A memorial service was today held in Manchester to pay tribute to Rich Bannister, the commercial director of digital agency Degree 53 who has died from cancer aged 30.
Bannister passed away at St Ann’s Hospice in Manchester on Sunday 10th September after a five-month battle against cancer of the oesophagus. He married his girlfriend Gemma two days before his death.
Bannister had previously worked for Manchester’s Tecmark and had also been a personal trainer.
Degree 53 has set up a JustGiving page to raise donations for St Ann’s Hospice or the Christie Hospital, which has already attracted more than £1,000.
The memorial service was held at St Ann’s Church, in St Ann’s Square, Manchester at 11am.
Several of those who attended tweeted tributes to a man who prided himself on having never had a day off sick in his life before he was diagnosed with cancer.
To my lovely friend Rich @richbannister You will be sorely missed but always remembered. Sleep well x pic.twitter.com/CtaCl2lnBE
— No PA. No Gain. (@EmmaMiPA) September 18, 2017
Saying goodbye to @richbannister today. A beautiful service and stories of his life. #BeMoreRich
— Will Stone (@willstone_UK) September 18, 2017
A lovely service to an exceptional man. You will be missed by many many people Bannister. Thank you for the memories @richbannister
— Gareth Chadwick (@GarethChadwick) September 18, 2017
Thinking of @richbannister and his nearest and dearest today x
— Vikki McCrindle (@Vikmccrindle) September 18, 2017
@richbannister So long fella. Thinking about you alot as nearest & dearest celebrate your life as they say goodbye ?? #TrueGooner #RIPRich
— Simon Calderbank (@simoncalderbank) September 18, 2017
Today my thoughts are with the friends, family and work colleagues at @Degree53 for @richbannister‘s service at 11am at Manchester Cathedral https://t.co/LsDkCIBU76
— ChrisMaguire (@editor_Maguire) September 18, 2017