Emotional tributes paid to Portsmouth Players dancer who 'brought calmness everywhere she went'
“Her warmth, humour and unwavering positivity will be remembered by all.”
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “one in a million” amateur dramatics star, who has died age 26.
On Thursday, July 9, Abby Daniels died at her home in Portsmouth, with her mother and father by her side. For the past four years, she had been a dancer and choreographer at Portsmouth Players - an amateur dramatic society that puts on productions at the likes of The Kings Theatre and Theatre Royal.
Abby had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a a type of bone cancer that starts in the cells of new bone tissue. It is most common in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Ahead of Abby’s funeral on Friday (August 7), the society’s publicity and marketing manager, Beth Evans, called her an “unforgettable” person who was loved and cherished by the Portsmouth Players family.
She said: “Abby was a beautiful dancer, and a great choreographer. She was one of those people that brought calmness everywhere she went. Abby wasn’t the loudest person, but had a serenity and warmth to her.
“Everybody loved her. What audiences saw was an incredibly talented performer and choreographer with a radiant smile and a love for the stage. What we were lucky enough to know was an extraordinary young woman whose courage, kindness, determination and generosity touched everyone around her.
“Her warmth, humour and unwavering positivity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing the stage, rehearsal room or simply a conversation with her.”
Abby took on a number of roles at Portsmouth Players, including the part of Kate in Legally Blonde. Most recently, she narrated and performed her own production, called Raise The Curtain, which raised more than £8,600 for Sarcoma UK.
The dancer also wrote her own book, titled ‘The Better Gender’, which was officially published just a few hours before her death.
In memory of Abby, Beth will be abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, also in aid of Sarcoma UK. At the time of publication, her JustGiving page has raised £470.
She said: “I’m so scared of heights, but I needed to do something brave because Abby was so brave herself. She was scared, but didn’t let it stop her.”
To donate to Beth’s fundraiser, follow this link.