The daughter of actress Anna Chancellor has died aged 36.
Poppy Chancellor – who was an illustrator and artist – was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year.
Anna Chancellor, who is best known for her role in Four Weddings And A Funeral, paid tribute on her daughter’s Instagram page, sharing a picture of her as a young girl.
She wrote: “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.”
Thanking the medical staff at the Royal Marsden, where Poppy was cared for, she went on: “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.”
The post was signed, “with all our love, Anna, Redha, Jonny & Tara”.
Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor commented on the post: “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.”
Radio presenter Clara Amfo wrote: “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.”
Others, including comedian Ellie Taylor, shared their love of Poppy’s art, with Taylor writing: “I am so incredibly incredibly sorry. I have one of Poppy’s paper cut prints and it’s one of my absolute favourite things in my house. Thank you for your art, creativity and energy Poppy x”
In May, Poppy shared a post showing she’d cut her trademark bob into a pixie cut, following her leukaemia diagnosis.
While she said she was “terrified and physically exhausted,” she also said she had “a new love and pride” for her body, and that the support of her friends and family made her feel “like everything is possible”.
She said she would update her followers “with the occasional drawing, update or moments of joy,” joking “I’ve been drawing myself in the bath but you don’t need to see those…”
Poppy had previously advocated for cancer awareness after losing her father, Scottish poet and recording artist Jock Scot, who died from the disease aged 63 in 2016.
A talented artist, Poppy had studied illustration at Kingston University going on to the Royal Drawing School, before working in Paris. She went on to work for brands including Adidas, Cath Kidston and Coco de Mer, and featured in magazines including Vogue and Elle.
She published her first book, Cut It Out!, in 2016.
