BBC star Maddy Anholt passed away aged 35 on Wednesday. 

The Women’s Aid campaigner, writer and TV star, who starred in BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitcoms and appeared on This Morning, died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – following the birth of her daughter Opal last year.

In a GoFundMe post shared on Wednesday, her family wrote: ‘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…

Heartache: BBC star Maddy Anholt has passed away aged 35

Shocking: ‘Our beloved daughter, sister, twin, friend, wife and mother, who left this world on Wednesday 13th September, aged 35’ (Maddy pictured in February last year)

‘She spent her final weeks at her parents’ home, Sunflower House, bathed in love and calm, and with the sounds of nature all around…

‘In her short life, Maddy accomplished so much. She was a marathon-runner, author, speaker, actor and Ambassador for Women’s Aid…

‘Her debut book was published in 2022 and her first fiction will be published soon. As an actor, she appeared in sitcoms for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, while as a speaker she led numerous masterclasses, including for the Guardian…

‘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…

‘We ask you not to send flowers but if you feel moved to make a small donation, this fundraiser has been set up to provide for Maddy’s one-year-old daughter, Opal…

‘Alternatively, you might consider a contribution to Maddy’s favourite charity, Women’s Aid…

‘Maddy was a powerful advocate for women’s rights and on publication of her debut book, she was invited to become an Ambassador for Women’s Aid, which she carried out with characteristic energy and humour: www.womensaid.org.uk/give

Shock: The charity campaigner and TV star, who starred in BBC, ITV and Channel 4 sitcoms and appeared on This Morning, died after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer – following the birth of her daughter Opal last year (pictured in 2018

‘Wherever you are, please join us at 6pm BST on Saturday 16th September, to light a candle. Pray, meditate and hold our precious Maddy in your hearts as she returns to the stars. With love, Cathy, Laurence, Claire, Tom and Ben’. 

She had four sell-out solo comedies at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Latitude Festival and the Soho Theatre and released a book last year called How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships. 

Last year, Maddy released How to Leave Your Psychopath: The Essential Handbook for Escaping Toxic Relationships, a book about her plight in an abusive relationship. 

Back in 2015, the comedian revealed she was hoping to raise £3,500 to travel to Scotland in search of her ‘perfect prince’, having exhausted the dating scene in her native London at the time – prior to meeting her husband.

She told FEMAIL at the time: ‘Dating can be an expensive business, especially if you’re an independent woman like myself…

‘Having spent all my money dating the men of London, I’ve barely got the train fare to Watford, let alone Edinburgh. So I’m turning to the public to fund this fairy tale ending… 

Heartbreak: In a GoFundMe post shared on Wednesday night, Maddy’s family wrote: ‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Maddy Anholt’

‘I came up with the concept for the show after going on so many hilariously appalling internet dates and a good friend of mine saying I should write a book of them – I went one step better.’

She wrote on the crowdfunding campaign: ‘I’m appealing to the wider community to help fund my fledgling love life as I take my hunt for Mr Right international with my new one woman comedy show.’

‘Those wanting to donate money, can opt for £10, £25, £50, £100 or £150. In return, supporters will be given rewards from 50 per cent off a ticket to her show, a romantic three-course dinner (not with her), or a DIY dating kit.

Maddy, who had been single for five years at the time, said: ‘Five years in a long time to be alone. I’ve done everything I can. I’ve been on every dating site there is.’

Following the news of the crowdfunding – of which she raised £2,121 of the £3,500 goal – she appeared on a This Morning debate under the title: ‘Is crowdfunding modern day begging?’ 

Reaching out: Her family penned the GoFundMe page just hours after her death