Ted Lasso star Anthony Head’s long-term partner Sarah Fisher died after battling a rare and highly aggressive form of cancer, an inquest hearing was told.
Ms Fisher, 61, passed away on December 23 last year having been diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The extremely rare gland cancer is one of the most lethal forms of the disease, with a five-year survival rate of less than five per cent.
Avon Coroner’s Court was told that the animal rights campaigner died at her home at Tilley Farm, a 90-acre animal sanctuary near Timsbury, close to Bath.
Ms Fisher had been in a relationship with veteran actor Mr Head, 71, for 37 years.
He first rose to fame in the iconic Nescafé Gold Blend adverts of the late 1980s and enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years.
The actor found new global fame thanks to hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, in which he played ruthless club owner Rupert Mannion, as well as BBC favourite Motherland.
In a cruel parallel, Mr Head portrayed the husband of Meg, played by Tanya Moodie, whose Motherland character was diagnosed with cancer.
Emily Head, 37, who starred as Carli D’Amato in The Inbetweeners, and her sister Daisy, 34, who appeared in US drama Guilt, posted tributes to their mother as they shared the sad news in January.
In a joint statement released on New Year’s Day, the sisters said their mother had died ‘with very little warning’.
‘We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently,’ they wrote. ‘It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning.
‘No words could ever express all that she encompassed or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.
‘We know how profoundly she has impacted the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.
‘We only wish she’d had more time to share her knowledge and brilliance with us, and the world.
‘Our grief knows no bounds, nor did the reaches of her incredibly unique and irreplaceable spirit.
‘We know how much she treasured the relationships she had with all of her friends, colleagues and collaborators, many of whom she stayed in contact with here, and we thank you all for being a part of her enriched life.’
Ms Fisher was also a long-term ambassador and fosterer for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and a patron of several charities, including Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in North Somerset.
She also founded Animal Centred Education (ACE), an innovative approach she developed to improve animal welfare and training.
Her daughters added that Ms Fisher did not want a funeral, instead inviting people to pay tribute to her online, and vowed that ACE would continue in her memory.
Holly Hedge founder Pauline Leeson said: ‘It came as a shock to hear that the wonderful Sarah Fisher, Patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and advocate for all animals, had passed away, and our hearts go out to Anthony, Ellie, Daisy and family.
‘Sarah was always a voice for those dear souls who have no voice, and was the most genuine, caring and compassionate human being.
‘Sarah will be a huge loss to the animal kingdom she worked so tirelessly for, helping so very many animals of all species to find their way to cope and be happy in this changing world.
‘We at Holly Hedge are so proud to have known Sarah. Her memory will live on in all the good work and positive change she has made to their lives. RIP Sarah, you will never be forgotten.’
World-renowned dog trainer and TV personality Victoria Stilwell also paid tribute, describing Ms Fisher as her ‘dear and treasured friend’.
‘Sarah was a fiercely loving mother, the ultimate advocate for animals’ wellbeing, and a truly irreplaceable light in our world – both within and well beyond the realm of dog training and behaviour,’ she said.
‘Sarah was that rarest of breeds: one of those very special few who leaves behind a legacy destined to impact exponentially vast numbers of living beings – far more than the lucky few who were blessed to know her, watch her genius work with animals, and share space with a powerful woman whose brilliance was matched only by her beautiful grace.
‘I was blessed to have met Sarah many years ago, and she has remained a steadfast friend beyond just her professional work.’
Ms Stilwell said she had had ‘the privilege of sharing some precious time with her over the past few months, exchanging ideas over lunch and going for a walk through Tilley Farm’s lovely grounds’.
She added: ‘That piece of land has a special history, having found its way into Sarah’s orbit years ago via remarkable circumstances.
‘It exudes a special energy – when you’re there, you cannot help but feel Sarah’s reassuring presence all around you, including her deep connection to the animals under her care there.’
Mr Head previously revealed that despite their years together Sarah had no interest in tying the knot and would tell him to ‘f*** off’ every time he proposed.
Speaking in 2018 he said: ‘She just isn’t interested [in getting married]. She says f*** off and then runs off to throw up’.
‘I just can’t imagine my life without Sarah. And I definitely wouldn’t want to.’
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London also paid tribute to Ms Fisher.
They said in a statement: ‘We’re truly sorry to lose our beloved friend and Ambassador Sarah Fisher and send our deepest sympathies to Sarah’s partner Anthony, her daughters, and her family and friends.
‘Sarah, alongside her partner Anthony Head, gave so much to our charity, fostering dogs, using her canine behaviour expertise to train our staff and volunteers, and contributing in so many ways to make a real difference in animal welfare.
‘She will be dearly missed by all of us at Battersea.’
Mr Head is also known for his roles as the Prime Minister in Little Britain (2003-2006), Uther Pendragon in Merlin (2008-2012) and as Rupert Giles in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003).
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is found in less than two per cent of patients suffering thyroid cancer and typically occurs in people over the age of 60.
Cancer charity Macmillan tells on its website: ‘Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest type of thyroid gland cancer. It is more common in women and mostly affects people over the age of 60. It usually grows more quickly than other types of thyroid cancer.
‘About 1 to 2 out of 100 (1 to 2%) of thyroid cancers are anaplastic.’
