Respected doctor who died with her ex-firefighter husband in Sri Lanka hotel bombing was 'remarkable and wondrous woman'

A senior doctor who died with her ex-firefighter husband in the Sri Lanka bombings was 'a remarkable and wondrous woman', her brother said.

Dr Sally Bradley, a former director of Public Health in Manchester and medical director of Pennine Acute NHS Trust, was killed with spouse Bill Harrop in the Easter Sunday atrocities.

Her brother, former MP for Withington Lord Keith Bradley, described Sally, 56, as 'a truly bright light in many people's lives'.

The couple were staying at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo when it was targeted by a suicide bomber during a series of attacks across the country on April 21.

Billy Harrop (pictured in 2012) was killed in the blast with wife Sally (MEN Media)

A statement released by her family on Monday night read: "Dr Bradley was a kind, loyal and hardworking woman that lived for adventure.

"She was the personification of joy that life could bring if you approached it with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. She dedicated her professional life to public service and was a true daughter of Greater Manchester."

She was a respected doctor, he was a hero firefighter. They worked tirelessly to retire to Australia - before being murdered in Sri Lanka

Hero ex-firefighter from Manchester and wife killed in Sri Lanka terror attacks  

She graduated from the University of Manchester and became a GP in Salford, her family said.

She later rose to become director of Public Health in Manchester and then the medical director of Pennine Acute NHS Trust, before travelling to Australia with Bill, also 56.

The family added: "Their aim was always to experience life to the fullest. Kindred spirits they travelled the world together, safe in each other’s arms and with smiles across their faces.

"They were the heartbeat of their families and the inspiration in their lives. They will be forever sorely missed, but never forgotten."

Lord Keith Bradley said: "This immensely tragic event will be something my family will never truly get over. I have lost a sister, who was not only an inspiration to me, but someone that was respected and loved across Greater Manchester.

"Over the last 24 hours I have been inundated with beautiful tributes to a remarkable and wonderous woman. She was truly a bright light in many people’s lives. The light may have been cruelly distinguished for no reason or justification, but she will always live in our hearts and the memories she provided will be forever cherished.

"I, and my family, will miss her more than words can articulate."

Bill's son Gavin was also in Sri Lanka when the attacks took place.