In a reminder of Benedict Cumberbatch’s unassailable classiness and the potential of fandom to unite and comfort, the Sherlock actor wrote a letter recently to the family of Eve Shepherd, who passed away unexpectedly on February 1st from breathing difficulties.
Born two months premature and originally expected to only live a day, Eve needed a tracheostomy at three months old and underwent 200 surgeries throughout her life. According to the Warrington Guardian, she grew to become an excellent student and “a self-confessed geek who dreamed of one day working in the media” as well as a devoted fan of Sherlock and Benedict Cumberbatch. The actor, who had previously sent the 14-year-old a signed picture wishing her well and saying he hoped to one day meet her, also wrote the family a condolence note that was read at Eve’s memorial service while the Sherlock theme music played over the procession:
I send my deepest sympathies to Eve’s family. To lose someone so young who fought for her health all her life must be beyond endurance.
I hope they can take solace from the fact that she was clearly much loved and her support of our show is hugely appreciated and shall be remembered.
I wish I could be there but sadly am filming the show she loved. God rest her soul. With all my love and sympathies, Benedict xxx.
Eve’s father says the note would have meant a lot to the young Sherlock fan:
It was absolutely unbelievable,we know that Eve would have been jumping for joy. For him to have spent time to write to us and to comfort us in such a very difficult time is incredible. We knew that he was a lovely man before, but to spend time when he was getting married and was so busy with the Oscars and the BAFTAs and everything else is amazing.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Peter Pan ward, Alder Hey Bereavement team and Warrington Animal Welfare. Eve’s family is also selling wristbands in her memory.
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