Nottingham parents ‘won’t stop’ fight for university duty of care

On the day Ms Abrahart was found in her flat, she had been due to deliver a presentation in front of more than 40 students in a 329-seat lecture theatre.

The physics student was in her second year of university when, according to family, “things started to go wrong” as she was required to complete oral assessments as part of her course.

Prof Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president of the UoB, said: “Natasha’s death is a tragedy – I am deeply sorry for the Abrahart family’s loss.

“At Bristol, we care profoundly for all our students and their mental health and wellbeing is a priority and is at the heart of everything we do.”

Following Ms Abrahart’s death, her family brought legal action against the university alleging it had contributed to his daughter’s death by discriminating against her on the grounds of disability.

During a five-day trial in March 2022, Bristol County Court heard that Ms Abrahart had made a prior suicide attempt in the winter term, and university staff were aware she was struggling.

A judge ruled the university had breached its duties under the Equality Act by failing to make “reasonable adjustments” for Ms Abrahart in light of her debilitating anxiety, which is considered a disability.

The judge dismissed a claim that the university had been negligent and ordered the university to pay damages of £50,500.

Natasha’s parents have been working alongside the charity Inquest, which provides support and information on state-related deaths and investigation, and both say they will continue their fight for change in the education sector.

On their campaign, Mrs Abrahart added: “We can’t save our own child but we might be able to save others.”

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