European Spa pays tribute to Hannah Bradley Cohen (1984-2023)

It is with great sadness that we share the news that the former spa manager Hannah Bradley Cohen has died.

Hannah, from North London, was diagnosed with Anaplastic Astrocytoma in early 2011 and given just 18 months to live. She had been with her partner, Pete Cohen – a weight-loss expert and motivational speaker – for less than a year.

Hannah was working as a spa manager in Ireland when she was diagnosed and the industry rallied together to help raise money to support her under the banner Team Hannah.

“I met Hannah at the SPATEC conference in Croatia in 2010, when she was a spa manager of The Europe Hotel in Killarney, Ireland,” said Pete. “We spent 13 glorious years together during which she battled brain cancer in a way that was totally inspiring.

“She was the most incredible human being I’ve ever met in the world, and I will miss her. Thanks to you all in the spa industry for all your support.”

Speaking about Hannah to European Spa, her friend Lesley Bacon said: “Many in the industry will remember the SPATEC held in Croatia in April 2010, because the ash cloud grounded all flights and prevented the delegates from returning home.

“This was when I first met Hannah. We were looking for another three people to travel in a minibus with us to Calais and, as we sat making plans, I heard laughter. I looked up and there was Hannah.

“After 36 hours on the road we arrived in Calais with an adventure to reflect back on. We’d formed a friendship that would affect me more than I could ever have imagined.

“A year later Pete called me with the devastating news that Hannah had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. She was 26.”

Positivity, courage and grace

“Hannah and Pete travelled worldwide to find treatments,” continued Lesley. “Those they found were invasive, rigorous, lengthy. Hannah’s whole world was turned upside down, yet I never once heard her complain.

“She faced every set back with positivity, courage and grace in the 12 years she lived after diagnosis.

“Hannah spent her last few weeks at St. Peter and St. James Hospice in Sussex with Pete by her side.

“I thank Hannah for her friendship; it is one I will carry always. I will try to emulate and honour the most courageous, beautiful soul I have known.”

Hannah’s funeral will be held at 12pm on Friday, June 2. It will be live streamed. For more details, click here.