Poppy, nee Roberts, passed away in January 2019 due to secondary breast cancer at the age of just 37. She left behind her husband – Lee – and two young sons – Paddy and Ernie.
A talented actress, Poppy started at Truro High School in September 1985, took a brief break between 1991-93 at Truro School but quickly returned to Truro High when she was 12 and completed her A Levels at the school. She left the Duchy at 18 to train at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School having turned down a place at Homerton College Cambridge
Just a few weeks after her death, Poppy’s mum – Bridget Roberts – also a former pupil of Truro High – found the manuscript of ‘Magical Journey’ – a children’s book that Poppy had written and illustrated whilst at school.
Douglas Walker, from Black Dog Books, said: “It is utterly captivating. Children will be enthralled by the beauty and simplicity of the language and illustrations.”
Published earlier this year, the book is raising money for Penhaligon’s Friends, a Cornish charity that supports bereaved children, young people and carers, and Secondary1st which raises funds to support vital research in the search for a cure for secondary breast cancer.
Poppy’s mum, Bridget added: “Poppy would be thrilled to think that her wonderful story will now give pleasure to countless children across the UK. She would be equally delighted to know that all proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support Penhaligon’s Friends and Secondary1st – two charities very close to the hearts of everyone in the family.”
Copies of Magical Journey are available for sale in Waterstones of Truro at £7.99. Alternatively, it can be ordered online at https://www.waterstones.com/book/magical-journey/poppy-roberts//9781839521492
