Dame Esther Rantzen, Broadcaster and Childline Founder, Dies at 86

Dame Esther Rantzen, a renowned broadcaster and the founder of the children's charity Childline, has died at the age of 86. Her family announced her passing in a statement, remembering her as the 'most wonderful mother' and 'cherished grandmother' with an 'endless capacity for joy'.

Dame Esther's death follows a battle with cancer, which she first revealed in January 2023. In recent weeks, she had spoken about her anguish over loved ones witnessing her suffering, noting that it was too late for her to pursue assisted dying at Dignitas as she had previously planned. She stated that despite making arrangements and spending the necessary funds, she had become too physically fragile to make the journey.

As a prominent advocate for the legalization of assisted dying, Dame Esther used her platform to urge for legislative change. She renewed her plea ahead of a recent debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, emphasizing the urgent need for the law to be reformed.

Dame Esther Rantzen was a familiar face on British television for decades, known for shows such as "That's Life!". She established Childline in 1986, a free 24-hour helpline for children in distress, which became a vital resource for young people across the United Kingdom. The charity later merged with the NSPCC in 2006.

Her career also included significant work in journalism and campaigning on various social issues. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000 and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for her services to children and to older people.