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Dame Esther Rantzen, who passed away recently at the age of 86, was widely regarded as a remarkable and inspirational figure, particularly for her dedicated campaigning efforts. Shaun Friel, director of Childline—the children’s helpline that Dame Esther founded in the 1980s—described her as “quite a force” who had the ability to inspire, energise, and persuade others. Known for her natural journalistic talent and sharp mind, Dame Esther had an enduring impact on child welfare and numerous social causes during her lifetime.
Her legacy includes her 21 years as the presenter of the BBC consumer programme That’s Life!, a show that brought public attention to various issues including child abuse. It was after highlighting multiple cases of child neglect on the show that she established Childline in 1986, offering children a vital resource when they had nowhere else to turn. The helpline later merged with the NSPCC in 2006, extending its reach and impact. Beyond Childline, Dame Esther founded The Silver Line in 2013, which provides support for older individuals facing isolation and loneliness.
Many prominent figures paid tribute to Dame Esther’s work. BBC director general Matt Brittin called her a “legend of British broadcasting” whose dedication to justice and public advocacy had made a lasting difference. Martin Lewis described her as both an “inspiration” and a “pioneer,” while the NSPCC’s chief executive, Chris Sherwood, highlighted her exceptional efforts on behalf of vulnerable children. Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed admiration for her influence, acknowledging that she had “changed countless lives” and praised her bravery in speaking openly about her own terminal illness, saying this courage prompted important societal conversations about end-of-life issues.
In her later years, Dame Esther campaigned for the legalisation of assisted dying, revealing in 2023 that she had registered with the Swiss clinic Dignitas but was ultimately too ill to make the journey. Close friends and colleagues also celebrated her vibrant personality and commitment. Baroness Jan Royall described her as passionate and formidable with a “zest for life” that motivated her activism. Those who worked alongside her remembered her relentless determination and compassion, emphasizing her role in shaping care services for both children and the elderly. Her contributions across media, charity, and social campaigning ensured that her influence will be felt for generations to come
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