In a profoundly moving and courageous interview, national treasure Dame Esther Rantzen has spoken with heartbreaking honesty about her terminal cancer diagnosis and her support for assisted dying.
The iconic broadcaster and founder of Childline revealed she has joined the Swiss organisation Dignitas, which provides assisted dying services, as she fears the final stages of her illness.
‘My family have been the most wonderful support,’ Dame Esther explained. ‘But I worry about their memories of me if I have a bad death. I would like to spare them that.’
A Powerful Voice for Change
The 83-year-old journalist is now using her platform to campaign for a free vote in Parliament on legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults in the UK. She believes it is a matter of compassion and choice for those facing the end of their lives.
‘I feel passionate that those who are facing a death they dread should have the right to decide,’ she stated. The current law, she argues, forces some into traumatic situations and leaves loved ones vulnerable to prosecution if they offer support.
Facing the Future with Courage
Dame Esther was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January 2023. After a course of treatment, she is currently awaiting the results of her latest scan to determine the next steps.
Despite the uncertainty, her spirit remains focused on her family and her legacy. ‘I have been given so many wonderful years,’ she reflected, ‘and now I want to ensure my final moments are my own.’
Her powerful testimony adds a significant and deeply personal voice to the ongoing national debate about end-of-life choices in Britain.
