News / Society
‘Incredible inspiration’ of Bristol student
A student who refused to let a four-year battle with a terminal brain tumour stop him trying to gain a degree has been honoured by his family and teachers at Bristol University.
Tom O’Sullivan received an award at the start of this month to recognise his struggle to continue his studies despite battling the disease.
He was unable to attend the ceremony, where his Student in a Million 2014 Inner Strength award was received by his father and sister, and passed away less than a fortnight later, following his four-year battle.
is needed now More than ever
Tom was found to have a brain tumour just before his A-levels in March 2010. Despite two operations in the run-up to his exams he excelled, gaining A* grades in physics and chemistry and gaining a place at Bristol.
In January 2011, just a few months after starting his studies, he started six weeks of radiotherapy at Royal Marsden Hospital in London. Despite many side effects, he resumed his studies at Bristol in April 2011.
But in May he was told his cancer was terminal and he left the university, not expecting to return. After a year out for more debilitating treatment, in October 2012 Tom returned and passed his first year.
He continued his studies and treatment over the next two years and was praised yesterday by his father.
John O’Sullivan said: “Being a student at Bristol meant the world to Tom, he loved his time there. It made him normal, part of a peer group, and it allowed him to flourish and to meet some wonderful young people who became great friends at a difficult time.”
Stuart Burgess, senior tutor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering where Tom studied, added: “Tom’s incredible determination has been a source of inspiration to students and staff alike and it was a great privilege to teach him.”
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
