Downton Abbey star Anna Chancellor’s daughter has tragically died aged 36.
Poppy, who is the only child of the Four Weddings and a Funeral actress, was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year, and admitted that she was ‘terrified and exhausted’ as she underwent chemotherapy treatment in May.
Chancellor sadly died on Friday, as Anna paid tribute on her daughter’s Instagram account.
Sharing a sweet picture of Chancellor as a young girl, her family wrote: ‘To all you wonderful and most loved friends of Poppy. We send you this message with our deepest love.
‘On September 29th Poppy died, held tight by her immediate family just as she had wished.
‘Despite every effort, her body could not continue any longer.’
The post went on to share their ‘forever gratitude’ to the medical team at the Royal Marsden Hospital, adding: ‘So we, her family and friends who all adore her join the other families who have lost their loved ones far too young.
‘We continue to pray and support her in any way we can to further her soul’s journey.
‘Poppy was and is an unbelievable life force of creativity, compassion, wit, beauty and sheer uniqueness.
‘She transformed our lives and we are beyond grateful. With all our love, Anna, Redha, Jonny & Tara.’
Sophie Ellis-Bextor was amongst one of the first paying tribute in the comments, writing: ‘I never met Poppy, but what she put out into the world brought me joy. What a bright and beautiful soul. I’m heartbroken to hear she’s not here .. she definitely made a mark. Sending love to all. Xxx’
Clara Amfo added: ‘Poppy was nothing but a joy to be around, every interaction with her left you howling with laughter or at the very least a smile. Truly 1 of 1, we will love you forever PoChan xxx.’
In May, Chancellor told her followers that she was ‘chemo ready’ after shaving off her trademark bob haircut.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘Chemo ready.. Said goodbye to the bob today – end of an era. After three weeks with multiple infections in hospital I have been diagnosed with Leukaemia.
‘I am still very much processing my heartbreak and also filled with a new love and pride for my body.
‘My care team of friends and family has me feeling like everything is possible and then we all get together and have a good cry/ business meeting about all the appointments and treatments that are still to come.
‘I am honestly terrified and physically exhausted – at the same time as learning to talk to my body and cells with a loving defiance.
‘My life will start to look very different and I’m not sure how I’ll use this platform going forward – maybe the occasional drawing, update or moments of joy – I’ve been drawing myself in the bath but you don’t need to see those.’
Chancellor’s father, poet Jock Scot, died of cancer in 2016 aged 63, and she admitted she has always been interested in ‘cancer awareness and advocating for grief awareness’.
She added: ‘I’ve always been interested in cancer awareness and advocating for grief awareness and now it’s all starting to feel very real very quickly.
‘Grieving for my life before diagnosis – and coming to terms with all the bruises and needles is a challenge. Cancer has always been close to home for me but this is a whole new experience..
‘I know I’ll need community to get me through this. If you know any great charities/ blood cancer resources or anyone else who’s had AML just drop it in the comments and hopefully I can make some valuable connections. Wish me luck.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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