Esther Rantzen Felt 'Deprived of Choice' Over Her Own Death

Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder of Childline, felt she was "deprived of any choice over my own death" due to the United Kingdom's current laws on assisted dying, according to a posthumous note released by her family. Rantzen, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, died at her home in Hampshire on September 30 at the age of 86.

Her family confirmed that a private funeral was held last week, with a larger memorial service planned for a later date. Rantzen's daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, stated that the family has received many comforting messages from people worldwide.

In her note, Dame Esther wrote that the law prevented her from seeking assistance to die when her life became unbearable. She acknowledged her privilege in having access to the support of Oakhaven Hospice but stated, "I was still deprived of any choice over my own death by the current messy criminal law." She also mentioned that she had become too frail to travel to an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland.

Dame Esther became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying in her later years. MPs voted against legalizing assisted dying in September. Addressing opponents of the law change, she wrote, "Rest assured I will not come back to haunt you, I have better things to do." She also stated, "Nobody wants to shorten life, just to shorten death."

Rantzen, known for presenting the BBC program "That's Life!" for 21 years, established the Childline helpline in 1986 and later founded The Silver Line, a helpline for older people. Her family has requested donations to Oakhaven Hospice, Childline, The Silver Line, and Cats Protection in lieu of flowers.

Arthur Stickland, a long-time committee member at Bramshaw Cricket Club, recalled Dame Esther as an "ordinary person" who mingled with crowds during annual matches involving the "That's Life!" team. He noted her role as a vice president of the club and her presence in the village where she was known and respected.