Charity leaders have paid tribute to the “pioneering” charitable work of broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who has died aged 86.
The TV presenter and campaigner founded Childline in 1986, which merged into the NSPCC in 2005, and The Silver Line in 2013.
She died yesterday after years of living with terminal lung cancer, having publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2023.
Rantzen’s three children, Miriam Wilcox, Rebecca Wilcox and Joshua Wilcox, announced her death in a statement, saying: “Our adored mother, Dame Esther Rantzen, died today.
“Her legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and The Silver Line, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her.
“Mum’s work with charities and campaigning, particularly for children, older people and the terminally ill, meant the world to her, so thank you to everyone who has written to her, shared their stories with her over the years and worked alongside her.”
Rantzen presented the BBC TV show That’s Life! for 21 years and one episode in 1986, focusing on childhood sexual abuse, resulted in the establishment of Childline.
The NSPCC said: “Esther knew that this meant there were countless other children and young people suffering, in fear, and with no safe place to turn.
“By 30 October 1986, in an incredible feat of energy and drive, Childline was launched as a nationwide, 24/7 helpline.”
The helpline has supported children in the UK and Channel Islands more than six million times with counselling sessions and millions more through its online resources.
“None of this would have been possible without Esther’s vision, activism and tireless championing of children,” the NSPCC said.
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the charity, said: “The passion and dedication that she has shown has been truly inspiring, and her work has made a real difference in the lives of so many children and young people.
“Childline will remain a testament to Esther’s lifelong work on behalf of children and we will continue her legacy by supporting many more young people in the future.”
Sir Peter Wanless, a former chief executive of the NSPCC, described Rantzen as an “uncompromising, determined campaigner to the last”.
He said: “There are so many memories to share of her remarkable and life-changing efforts for young and old alike. She could be absolutely infuriating, incredibly funny, utterly determined and hugely helpful. But for now, rest in peace Esther. You were amazing.”
Rantzen also founded The Silver Line, a 24-hour helpline supporting people over the age of 55 who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Age UK, which The Silver Line became part of in 2019, said the helpline’s creation was sparked by Rantzen’s lived experience.
“Following the death of her husband Desmond in 2000, Esther spoke publicly about her grief and the difficulties that came with readjusting to life,” Farmer said.
This resulted in an outpouring of appreciation and similar stories from the public, he said, adding: “Inspired by this outpouring of bravery, and keen to provide a service that allowed for two-way conversation, The Silver Line was born.”
Farmer said: “It’s thanks to Esther’s pioneering spirit, determination and commitment to the older generation that The Silver Line’s callers and volunteers have been brought together in this mutually beneficial way.
“It is an example and a legacy we will continue to learn from and uphold in Esther’s memory, and it is a privilege for us to do so.”
Dignity in Dying also paid tribute to Rantzen, who became a vocal campaigner for the legalisation of assisted dying following her own cancer diagnosis.
In a statement, Dignity in Dying said: “Dame Esther was a true force of nature whose compassion, tenacity and wit will be greatly missed.
“She spoke bravely about her experience and her family’s own pain, but only so that those without a public voice could be heard.
“She used her platform to speak truth to power and gave a voice to so many other terminally ill and bereaved people across the country.”