Sarah Fisher, a devoted animal welfare advocate and partner of actor Anthony Head, has died at the age of 61, just three months after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer. The inquest into her death, held at Avon Coroners’ Court, paid tribute to her resilience and spirit.
Ms Fisher lived in Bath with Anthony Head, the English actor known for his role in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. She was deeply committed to animal care, running Tilley Farm, a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Additionally, she served as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, dedicating her expertise to improving the lives of animals.
Dr Peter Harrowing, area coroner for Avon, read a heartfelt statement from the couple’s daughters, Emily and Daisy Head, highlighting Ms Fisher’s determination and love for animals despite her terminal diagnosis. “She did not let the diagnosis define her and would tell anyone who visited that she was too busy living,” they said. “She embodied the very essence of what it means to thrive.”
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Ms Fisher’s medical journey began with a benign thyroid nodule diagnosis in August 2019. However, in June 2025, after noticing increased swelling, she sought further medical advice. Following blood tests and ultrasound imaging, she was urgently referred to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. It was in September 2025 that she received the devastating diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer, a particularly aggressive disease.
Despite undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the following months, Ms Fisher passed away at home on 23 December 2025, surrounded by her loving family and cared for by a palliative team.
Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Matthew Beasley noted that Ms Fisher’s three-month survival following diagnosis was unfortunately typical for cases of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Dr Harrowing concluded the inquest by offering his condolences and confirming that Ms Fisher died from natural causes. The family did not attend the hearing.
Following her passing, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home paid tribute to Ms Fisher’s dedication: “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.”