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Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and Childline founder, dies aged 86

The Guardian UK Wednesday 30 September 2026, 18:02 UTC By Alexi Duggins 1 min read
Key Points

Rantzen announced lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and became a vocal assisted dying campaignerEsther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of ChildLine, has died aged 86.She announced a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer in 2023, and became a vocal campaigner to change the law around assisted dying. In September 2026, she announced she had to abandon plans to end her life in Swiss clinic Dignitas, due to being too physically frail.

Rantzen announced lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and became a vocal assisted dying campaigner

Esther Rantzen, the Bafta-winning TV presenter and founder of ChildLine, has died aged 86.

She announced a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer in 2023, and became a vocal campaigner to change the law around assisted dying. In September 2026, she announced she had to abandon plans to end her life in Swiss clinic Dignitas, due to being too physically frail.

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Esther Rantzen (PERSON) Childline (ORG) Rantzen (PERSON) Bafta (ORG) Swiss (ORG) Dignitas (ORG)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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