RICHARD EDEN: Poppy Chancellor receives hands-on support from her friends as she battles cancer
Four Weddings and a Funeral Star Anna Chancellor’s daughter, Poppy, receives hands-on support from her friends as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
The 36-year-old illustrator and paper-cutting artist, who announced last month that she had been diagnosed with white blood cells, has shared this striking photo.
She is depicted reclining on a mattress covered in flower petals as her friends lay hands on her. “Healing ceremony with my witches/besties/comrades,” she says jokingly. “Thanks for encouraging me.”
Poppy – whose father, East Lothian-born poet Jock Scot, died of cancer in 2016 aged 63 – explained last month: “After three weeks in hospital with multiple infections, I have been diagnosed with leukaemia. I’m still processing my heartbreak.”
In preparation for chemotherapy, she shaved off her signature “bob” haircut. “Chemo done,” she says. Saying goodbye to the bob today – end of an era. Grieving for my life before the diagnosis – and dealing with all the bruises and needles is a challenge.”
Powerful: The 36-year-old illustrator and papercutting artist shared this eye-catching photo
Support: Poppy Chancellor announced last month that she had been diagnosed with cancer of the white blood cells
Power: She is depicted lying on a mattress covered in flower petals while her friends lay hands on her
Family: Four Weddings And A Funeral star Anna Chancellor pictured with her daughter Poppy at the 2014 Olivier Awards reception
Poppy has worked with major brands including Cath Kidston and Adidas. After studying illustration at Kingston University in London, she attended the Royal Drawing School, founded by King Charles. His Majesty is said to have one of her works which she gave to him after attending an artist residency at Dumfries House, his stately home in Ayrshire.
Poppy has spoken fondly of her “crazy childhood” with her “loving” mother, 58, who she described as her “best friend.”
Her parents separated when she was four and she lived with her mother in a basement in Shepherd’s Bush, West London. They would be seen together on the party scene in nearby trendy Ladbroke Grove.