Tessa trained in anaesthetics throughout the southwest region and followed this by a year as an assistant professor in Seattle. As a consultant she pursued her passion for pain management. This was a reflection of her warm and sympathetic nature, which always encouraged patients to have great confidence in her.
Tessa was an avid traveller and accomplished linguist. In Mexico she carried out voluntary medical work with Zapatista villagers and also learnt to speak and sing in fluent Spanish.
With characteristic spirit, Tessa researched her illness thoroughly and pursued all avenues of treatment. She spent her last days at home, looked after by family and friends. Tessa had an insatiable love of life and there was so much more she wanted to explore. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Consultant in anaesthesia and pain management Frenchay Hospital, Bristol (b 1966; q Southampton 1989; FRCA 1997), died from gastric cancer on 24 February 2007.