The animal welfare community is in mourning following the sudden death of Sarah Fisher, a renowned campaigner and long-term partner of actor Anthony Head. She was 61 years old.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Her daughters, actresses Emily and Daisy Head, announced the devastating news on the social media page for Tilley Farm, the 90-acre Somerset property Fisher ran. They described their mother's passing as "immensely shocking" and said it came with "very little warning".
In a poignant statement, they wrote: "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."
They added that their "grief knows no bounds", paying tribute to her "incredibly unique and irreplaceable spirit".
A Legacy of Compassion for Animals
Sarah Fisher was a formidable force in animal welfare. She served as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs And Cats Home and was a patron of the Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.
Peter Laurie, chief executive at Battersea, expressed profound sorrow: "We're truly sorry to lose our beloved friend and ambassador, Sarah Fisher... A devoted supporter for many years, Sarah, alongside her partner Anthony Head, gave so much to our charity."
He highlighted her work fostering dogs, training staff with her canine behaviour expertise, and supporting numerous events and fundraisers.
Colleagues Remember a 'Genuine' Voice for the Voiceless
Pauline Leeson, founder of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, said the news came as a shock. In a website tribute, she said: "Sarah was always a voice for those dear souls who have no voice, and was the most genuine, caring and compassionate human being."
Leeson stated that Fisher's death "will be a huge loss to the animal kingdom she worked so tirelessly for", noting her skill in helping animals "find their way to cope and be happy in this changing world".
The family's statement concluded with thanks to Fisher's wide circle of friends and collaborators, acknowledging how much she "treasured the relationships" in her enriched life. The exact cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.
