The family of an animal welfare advocate who died three months after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer described her as embodying “the very essence of what it means to thrive”, at an inquest into her death.
Sarah Fisher, who ran the Tilley Farm sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, lived in Bath with her partner, the late actor Anthony Head – famous for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Little Britain.
The 61-year-old died at home surrounded by her family on 23 December, after undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A statement from her daughter Emily Head, who is known for her roles in The Inbetweeners and Emmerdale, said Fisher had been “busy living” amid her terminal diagnosis.
The statement, which was read to the inquest by Dr Peter Harrowing, area coroner for Avon, said Fisher had continued to muck out her donkeys and horses and go on lengthy dog walks.
“She did not let her diagnosis define her and would tell anyone who would visit that she was too busy living,” Head wrote.
