Dame Esther Rantzen was ‘a true inspiration’ who spent her life ‘working tirelessly to help others’, according to the CEO of Age UK.
‘Her dedication and commitment to older people is unrivalled and her legacy will carry on’, Paul Farmer said. ‘We can never thank her enough.’
Dame Esther Rantzen, who passed away this week following a battle with lung cancer, was known for presenting the BBC’s That’s Life! for 21 years – a programme featuring a mix of investigations, topic issues and entertainment.
Rantzen was celebrated not only for her broadcasting career, but also for her campaigning on issues including child abuse and loneliness among older people. In 1986 she set up Childline, which became part of the National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 2006.
‘Esther was a unique and truly remarkable women who during her life did incredible things and went to exceptional lengths to ensure children and young people across the UK had somewhere to turn when they were in need of help,’ Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said.
‘I speak on behalf of the whole of the NSPCC and Childline in sending love to Esther’s family at this difficult time. We will miss her so much but will ensure her extraordinary legacy and commitment to helping children lives on for many years to come.’
While speaking to the BBC, director of Childline Shaun Friel said: ‘She inspired people, she energised people, she persuaded people. She had a great mind and she had obviously that natural journalistic ability.’
In 2012, Dame Esther founded The Silver Line, a free telephone service for older people suffering from isolation and loneliness. Six years later the helpline became a subsidiary of Age UK, who continue to run the service.
Farmer said: ‘On behalf of everyone at Age UK I would like to share our heartfelt condolences with Dame Esther Rantzen’s family and friends.
‘After founding The Silver Line Helpline in 2012, now part of Age UK, she has helped to support thousands of lonely older people, making sure they have someone to talk to whenever they might need it.’
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also paid tribute to Dame Esther, claiming she had ‘change countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard’.
Image: Dame Esther Rantzen /Openverse
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