Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder of Childline, is currently battling lung cancer at stage four. This worrisome diagnosis was publicly shared in 2023. Recently, her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, provided an update during her appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Dame Esther Rantzen’s Daughter Discusses Family’s Emotion
During the interview, Rebecca candidly expressed the family’s struggles, stating they are “in denial” about her mother’s condition. She described the anxiety that comes with having a loved one facing terminal illness.
About the Diagnosis
- Dame Esther Rantzen is 85 years old.
- She has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
- Current treatments have stopped working, and she is now receiving palliative care.
Assisted Dying Legislation Update
Rebecca also touched on Dame Esther’s support for assisted dying legislation. The recent approval of a law in Jersey allows terminally ill adults the right to end their lives. Dame Esther has publicly backed this movement and is prepared to consider travel to Dignitas in Switzerland should legislation remain unchanged.
Implications for the Family
Rebecca conveyed the complex emotions surrounding the situation. She noted that their family might face legal scrutiny for supporting their mother’s wishes regarding assisted dying. She highlighted the potential impact on her and her siblings’ careers due to the advocacy they have undertaken.
Palliative Care Choices
- Dame Esther plans to pay £15,000 for the service at Dignitas.
- She intends to travel alone to avoid complicating her children’s professional lives.
Rebecca emphasized how heartbreaking this situation is for their family. Their story resonates with many who support the fight for assisted dying legislation. The interview served as a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of terminal illness.
