30 September 2023 , 21:13
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The daughter of Downton Abbey's Anna Chancellor, Poppy has died aged 36.
Poppy Chancellor had been suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia and passed away alongside her immediate family on Friday. Her mother Anna, along with other relatives, posted a tribute on social media. They called Poppy "an unbelievable life force" and thanked Royal Marsden Hospital staff. In the message, they said: "To all you wonderful and most-loved friends of Poppy. We send you this message with our deepest love.
"On September 29 Poppy died, held tight by her immediate family just as she had wished. Despite every effort, her body could not continue any longer. We will be forever grateful to her kind and loving care team at the Royal Marsden. 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."
Poppy has sadly died (Instagram/poppyspapercuts)
Anna and Poppy's relatives shared the news on social media (Getty Images)Tributes flooded in for Poppy, as singer Sophie Ellis Bextor wrote: "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." Radio host 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."
Poppy had worked as an illustrator and paper-cut artist. She studied at the esteemed Royal Drawing School and worked for high-profile brands including Cath Kidston and Adidas. Earlier this year, Poppy shared how she was preparing for chemotherapy. She told the Daily Mail: "I am terrified and physically exhausted – at the same time as learning to talk to my body and cells with loving defiance."
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She also 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."
Poppy’s father, poet Jock Scot, died of cancer in 2016 aged 63. 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.."
It is rumoured King Charles owns one of Poppy's works which she is said to have given him as a thank you. Poppy attended an artists' residence at Dumfries House – which the King had bought for £45 million in 2007. Her mother Anna is best known for her role as the Dowager Lady Anstruther in ITV drama Downton Abbey and as Henrietta in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Poppy was the star's only child.