Dame Esther Rantzen has been battling terminal lung cancer since she was diagnosed in 2022. Now her daughter has shared a health update on the veteran broadcaster
Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, has shared the devastating news that her mother is no longer responding to her treatment. The renowned broadcaster, journalist, and campaigner is fighting a terminal lung cancer diagnosis.
Initially, Dame Esther discovered a lump under her arm after feeling fatigued during the Christmas period in December 2022, and a biopsy later confirmed she had stage four cancer.
Since her diagnosis, 84-year-old Dame Esther has spoken candidly about the Assisted Dying Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament. However, due to additional safeguarding measures, the law may take several years to come into effect.
Meanwhile, Dame Esther has expressed her thoughts on ending her life at Dignitas, as assisted dying remains illegal in the UK.
Nevertheless, Dame Esther is aware that if she were to travel to Switzerland, her family could face prosecution. “My family could be prosecuted if I go,” she previously stated, reports the Mirror.
In a recent interview, Rebecca shared a heartbreaking update on Dame Esther’s health. When questioned about a new medication initially believed to improve Dame Esther’s condition, Rebecca revealed this was no longer the case.
“I really wish that was true. I don’t think that’s the case anymore,” she told 5 News.
Rebecca has previously spoken about the agonising possibility of facing prosecution for accompanying her mother to the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. In a heartfelt chat with Hello!, Rebecca shared her mother’s poignant comparison: “My mum said that she lost her mother, her husband and her dog within a very short time and that of the three, the dog had the most wonderful death, and the others didn’t.”
Confronted with the harsh truth, Rebecca voiced her wish that the journey to Dignitas isn’t on the horizon, yet acknowledged the legal dangers: “We’re just hoping that flight to Dignitas doesn’t have to happen any time soon. I can’t say whether I’d go with her because I’d face prosecution, which would be a nightmare at the worst time in my life and something I don’t think I’d ever get over.”
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She further stated: “But it would be a very strange version of me that would let her go alone.”
Back in December, telly icon Angela Rippon, a dear mate of Dame Esther, disclosed that Dame Esther felt “relieved” when her assisted dying bill was backed by Parliament.
The motion to permit a terminally ill individual with less than six months to live the option to end their life was approved by 330 votes to 275. Dame Esther, who is battling terminal lung cancer, divulged last year that she had registered with Dignitas, the Swiss clinic for assisted dying.
Angela, 80, has been mates with Esther for over three decades, and they still have a natter on the blower regularly. “She is an amazing person,” Angela gushes.
“All her life she’s used her platform to create change. Silver Line, Childline, and all of those things that she’s done. Now because this is very personal to her, she’s used that influence that she has and that power that she has. She’s done it again.
“I think she is thrilled over what happened. I think she’s delighted and I think she’s relieved.”
Dame Esther is battling terminal cancer and has been vocal about her wish to make her own decisions regarding the end of her life when her quality of life dips. Her fervent advocacy led to the bill being introduced.
Speaking at the Television and Radio Club Christmas party, Angela added: “Esther has made a big impact, of course she did, but she has all her life. All her life she’s been an inspiration to people for all sorts of things.
“And I think that this is very personal for her. The great thing with Esther is that when she takes on a campaign, she discovers that there are thousands of people who join in with her and support her.
“And I think that everything she’s done, whether it was Childline or Silverline or now supporting Leadbeater on this, it’s another of those instances where she’s actually been a really important figure in a campaign and I think that’s absolutely brilliant.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
