THE devastated author dad of a BBC star who died of cancer after the birth of her own daughter has shared a heartbreaking poem in her memory.
Maddy Anholt was just 35 when she died following a brain cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Laurence Anholt, a popular children's writer, penned a short acrostic poem in memory of his daughter yesterday.
Her dad posted the poem on X, formerly Twitter, spelling out his daughter's five-letter name.
Beside each letter he wrote another word, to make the phrase: "My Amazing Daughter Died Yesterday... and we are heartbroken."
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Maddy, who was diagnosed with cancer just after giving birth to her daughter, starred in several BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitncomes.
She was also a regular guest on This Morning.
In a GoFundMe post, her family said: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt, our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35.
"You may know that shortly after the birth of her incredible daughter Opal last year, Maddy was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
"She handled the ensuing surgery and treatment with astonishing grace and courage, accompanied every step of the way by her family and devoted husband, Ben.
"She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, Sunflower House, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around.
The family added: "We are overwhelmed with gratitude to the many friends who have upheld us with their love and prayers during this difficult time - as well as the countless nurses, doctors and the NHS as a whole, who treated her with unfailing dignity and compassion.
"In particular we would like to thank the magnificent team at Seaton Hospice at Home, who are the embodiment of empathy, professionalism and love."
In a heartbreaking final post Maddy revealed her plans for the future before the shock diagnosis.
Anholt wrote: "I’m basically living now in red dresses and lipstick that exactly matches my book cover.
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"Look close and you’ll see the multiple boxes precariously balancing a table of books and flowers. Behind the scenes of dreams."
Maddy was passionate about combating domestic violence and toxic relationships, authoring two books on the subject.
And she was an ambassador for Women's Aid.
Anholt wrote for The Sun in 2022 about how to look after yourself while leaving a toxic relationship.
