Genuine, understanding, compassionate, inspirational.
These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Bachelor of Nursing student Teresa Bradford (née O’Brien), since she sadly passed away on the 31st January as a result of a domestic violence incident on the Gold Coast.
A mature aged full-time student at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus, Teresa was mum to four children, including one with mild cerebral palsy.
Her life was non-stop, but she always kept going showing amazing resilience and positivity.
At 40, she was just starting to gain confidence and believe in herself wanting to help others by becoming a nurse.
Her teaching staff and fellow students have talked about how excited Teresa was about her future and so proud of her four children, who were the centre of her life.
“From the first time I met Teresa I knew she was a genuinely good person,” fellow nursing student Jessica Jones said.
“We had each other’s backs through the whole of our first year of nursing and I was devastated when I realised I would not get the chance to create any new memories with this wonderful woman.
I have no doubt she would have made an exceptional nurse as this was her dream — a dream that would help better the lives of her children and herself.”
Jessica’s words are echoed by Dr Peta-Anne Zimmerman, Commencing Student Coordinator from Griffith’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
“Teresa was one of those students that you want every student to be like. She was present every day, not just physically, but professionally and psychologically. She was focused, determined and engaged.
“If there was a co-curricular support activity available, she took part and encouraged others as well. If she had a question, she asked and everyone else in the room thanked her for it. Her determination was inspiring for students and staff alike.
“Teresa was respected across the board. She would always say hello and smile. Whilst she sought support for herself she was equally supportive of her colleagues, well known by fellow students as their ‘uni Mum’.
“In two years when this group of students walk across the stage receiving their degrees, we on the podium will notice her absence, and will know that as a profession and as a community, we will be less one outstanding Bachelor of Nursing graduate.”
Teresawas farewelled in an emotional and packed funeral service at Allambe Gardens this morning (14 Feb).More than 200 mourners including fellow students, wore black and purple and remembered a life tragically cut short.
For support on any domestic violence issues please contact:
or phone: 1800 Respect
In the days after Ms Bradford’s death, the Women’s Legal Service Queensland helpline received 47% more calls than usual from women concerned this could also happen to them.
