Local colleagues had warned Henning not to cross the border into Syria, but he insisted on going to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies.
[1] Henning was shown at the end of David Cawthorne Haines's execution video, released on 13 September 2014, and was referred to as being the next victim by Mohammed Emwazi, who the media described as "Jihadi John" of the ISIL cell known as The Beatles.
[11][12] Henning was a taxi driver in Eccles, Salford, Greater Manchester, in North West England before he traveled to Syria in December 2013 to volunteer as an aid worker.
[17][18] In December 2013, Henning was part of a team of volunteers delivering goods and funds to people affected by Syria's civil war.
[20] The executioner identified as "Jihadi John" from the ISIL cell known as The Beatles, blamed the execution on the UK's involvement in the U.S.-led bombing campaign against ISIS.
[25] A further memorial service was held on 12 October at the British Muslim Heritage Centre, organised by friends and humanitarian aid colleagues of Henning, attracting over 600 people.
They also criticised a London-based follower of Omar Bakri, Mizanur Rahman (aka Abu Baraa), who attempted to justify Henning's killing.
[30] In October 2014, Labour MP Barbara Keeley, called for public recognition of Henning's sacrifice, and for support for his widow and children, a request which the prime minister agreed to consider.