Esther Rantzen's final note urges continued push for assisted-dying law
Dame Esther Rantzen, who died of stage-four lung cancer, released a posthumous message urging supporters to keep campaigning for assisted-dying legislation.
Esther Rantzen, the former "That's Life!" presenter and founder of Childline, died last month in the New Forest following a three-year fight with stage-four lung cancer. Her family released a heartfelt note she wrote before her death, stating she felt deprived of any choice over her own end and urging campaigners to continue the battle for assisted-dying reform. Rantzen thanked the Dignitas team in Switzerland for their efforts, despite being too physically weak to travel for the procedure.
The note also thanked supporters, warned opponents, and promised to help the cause from beyond the grave. A private funeral was held last week, which her daughter Rebecca Wilcox called "incredibly beautiful," and the family has asked for donations to Oakhaven Hospice, Childline, The Silver Line and Cats Protection in lieu of flowers. Rantzen had become a prominent advocate for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced in Parliament in 2024 but not yet passed.
Why it matters
Her death highlights ongoing debate over assisted-dying laws and may galvanise public and legislative action.
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