‘A beautiful rose’: This is how Gold Coast helicopter crash victim Vanessa Tadros is being remembered by her husband at his funeral in western Sydney.
Key points:
- Vanessa Tadros and three others died in the horrific crash between two helicopters on the Gold Coast
- The funeral learned of Mrs Tadros’s love for her son, Nicholas, who is still in hospital after the January 2 incident.
- After having undergone multiple surgeries, the 10-year-old will face two surgeries in the coming days.
As hundreds of mourners packed Mount Druitt Church in Sydney this morning, the absence of one person loomed large: her 10-year-old son, Nicholas Tadros, who remains in Queensland hospital where he has been fighting for his life.
Ms Tadros is one of four people who died in a terrifying crash between two helicopters near Sea World on January 2.
The service, held at St John the Beloved Church in Mount Druitt in western Sydney, heard prayers in English and Arabic.
As the coffin, covered in cream-colored flowers, entered the church, the sound of grieving mourners filled the street.
Husband and father Simon Tadros told the service that he met his wife 16 years ago and “immediately felt the love she gives off.”
“She was the type of person who puts other people first. She would do anything to make people smile,” he told the gathering.
“She was a protector. Regardless of the consequences, she wanted to know that you were happy and safe.”
“She is resting in peace and is in a better place than us now… I will always love you, no matter what,” he said to close.
Mr. Tadros wept with his head in his lap as the priest delivered his sermon.
“Simon, we are one with you,” Father Youssef Elias told the church, speaking directly to Vanessa’s husband.
“Twelve years ago from this most sacred altar…you pledged to Vanessa to remain the rest of your days in fidelity and love. These are your precious memories that you carry in your heart.”
The service, which was so packed that many were required to stand for the entire event, then turned to Vanessa’s son, Nicholas.
“Nicholas, you are the pride and joy of your mom and dad,” added father Youssef Elias.
“Your mother’s love has never left you and will never leave you. May she heal you completely.”
Yesterday, Nicholas’s father said on social media that his son had “responded very well” but was “still on the ventilator to help him breathe” after being switched off life support several days ago.
“[There is] still no movement in her legs but [we] I have been informed that it could be due to broken bones in both legs,” Tadros wrote in a statement yesterday.
Tadros said that Nicholas will have two major surgeries in the next few days.
Mourners were told that he would leave the service and immediately return to Queensland to be with Nicholas.
