Plant rescuer was a beacon of hope, family says

The family of a woman who "rescued" plants during lockdown have described her as "a beacon of hope and resilience" following her death from cancer.

Camilla Chapman from Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester, was told she had a year to live in February, 2025, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer which had spread to her lungs, liver and lymph nodes.

The mother-of-four and her fiance, Matt Skinner, ran Hope Plants, which stopped plants being thrown away during lockdown.

A crowdfunding page raised £140,000 to help Chapman pay for treatments unavailable on the NHS. Her death was announced on Monday.

In a trbute, Skinner said: "It is hard to capture what an incredible person Camilla was.

"Beyond being my best friend, my eternal soul mate, the love of my life and a wonderful mother, she was an inspiration and a beacon of hope and resilience to many."

He said Chapman's "inspiring words of hope during some very dark times" during lockdown "reached countless people through flowers and plants" and it was a "lovely tribute" that the business would continue.

Some of the money raised for Chapman's treatment was used to fund alternative treatments and bespoke biological immunotherapy.

Skinner said "she was able to receive the treatments she dreamed of in the hope of beating her cancer".

Lee Strange, founder and owner of Stylishousevents, arranged for Chapman to meet former Take That band member Howard Donald at one of his events.

He described how it was a "privilege to share laughter, music and dance" and recalled her "unforgettable smile that brightened every room".

Chapman previously said her symptoms began with difficulty swallowing, but she was unprepared for her diagnosis.

In one of her last Facebook updates, she said January "had been really tough" but she was "feeling strong" with the support of people around her.

Skinner said: "I am so proud to have had Camilla as my partner and the mother to our wonderful four boys.

"I will keep her present in their lives every single day and ensure they know in their hearts how deeply she loved them and how bravely and tirelessly she fought to stay with them."

Chapman's family and friends are now fundraising to support the family through their loss.

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