DAME ESTHER RANTZEN DIES AT 86 — FAMILY SHARES HER FINAL HEARTFELT MESSAGE

Dame Esther Rantzen, the celebrated British television presenter and founder of Childline and The Silver Line, has died at the age of 86.

Her family announced her death on Wednesday, September 30, describing her as “our sunshine” and saying her legacy of compassion and understanding would live on through the charities she created and the people whose lives she touched.

In a statement, her three children said they were grateful that their mother was finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, who died in 2000.

But they said they would miss her “immeasurably.”

They remembered her for her “endless capacity for joy,” her ability to comfort others, her gift with words and the guidance she continued to provide to her family.

“She was our sunshine,” they said.

A MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND NATIONAL FIGURE

Rantzen was described by her children as a devoted mother to three children and a cherished grandmother to five grandchildren.

Her family said they felt fortunate to have had her for so long, while acknowledging that no amount of time would ever have felt like enough.

They also asked the public to respect their privacy as they grieve.

“Mum’s work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people, and the terminally ill, meant the world to her,” the family said.

They thanked everyone who had written to Rantzen, shared their stories with her or worked alongside her throughout her career.

HER LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH CHILDLINE

Rantzen became one of Britain’s best-known television personalities through the BBC programme That’s Life!, which ran from 1973 to 1994.

The programme combined consumer investigations, serious reporting and humour, reaching enormous audiences during its peak years.

But one of her most enduring achievements came after an investigation into child abuse.

In 1986, Rantzen helped establish Childline, a confidential service giving children a way to seek help and talk about problems including abuse and neglect.

She later turned her attention to loneliness among older people, launching The Silver Line, a telephone support service for elderly people.

Her campaigning work extended well beyond television, including efforts concerning child safety, playground safety and organ donation.

HER FINAL MESSAGE

Rantzen’s children also revealed a personal message she had written before her death.

In it, she apologised for being unable to thank everyone individually for the friendship, support and professional advice they had given her throughout her life.

She described herself as having been “immensely lucky” and said those relationships had helped her live a long and happy life.

She then asked anyone wishing to remember her through a charitable donation to consider Dignitas in Switzerland, Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington or Cats Protection.

The message ended with a quiet farewell:

“Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say.”

She signed off by thanking those around her and expressing hope that they might meet again “on the other side.”

HER FINAL YEARS

Rantzen announced in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.

The diagnosis brought her back into the public spotlight as she became an outspoken supporter of changing Britain’s laws on assisted dying.

Earlier in September, she said she had become too physically fragile to travel to Switzerland to use the Dignitas service, despite having previously made plans to do so.

Her final years therefore became another chapter in a lifetime spent speaking publicly about subjects that were often difficult or uncomfortable.

‘SHE WAS OUR SUNSHINE’

For generations of viewers, Esther Rantzen was a familiar face on British television.

For the people who knew her personally, however, she was a mother, grandmother, wife, friend and source of comfort.

Her family said the humour, ingenuity and audacity she brought to her work would continue to inspire them.

And as Britain remembers one of its most recognisable broadcasters and campaigners, her children are left with the memories of the woman they simply called Mum.

“She was our sunshine,” they said.

Dame Esther Rantzen was 86.