Dame Esther Rantzen, the beloved British broadcaster and founder of Childline, has captured the hearts of millions with her fearless spirit and lifelong dedication to helping others. Now, at 84, as she faces the final stages of her battle with terminal lung cancer, she has shared a deeply moving last wish that has resonated with people across the globe. In a candid interview, Rantzen revealed that her time is “extremely limited,” and her greatest hope is to be reunited with her late husband, Desmond Wilcox, in an afterlife where they can once again share the love that defined their 32-year marriage. “If there is a heaven, it would be a very happy place,” she said, reflecting on the possibility of seeing Desmond and other loved ones again. This poignant revelation, coupled with her ongoing advocacy for assisted dying, has sparked an outpouring of support and renewed conversations about love, loss, and the right to choose one’s end-of-life journey.

A Love That Endures Beyond Time

Esther Rantzen’s love story with Desmond Wilcox is one of passion, complexity, and enduring devotion. The couple first met in the 1960s at the BBC, where Desmond was the head of the general features department and Esther was a rising star in broadcasting. Their relationship began as a controversial affair, as Desmond was married to his first wife, Patsy Price, with whom he had three children. The scandal rocked the BBC, leading to Desmond’s resignation, but their love proved unbreakable. After Patsy relented upon learning of Esther’s pregnancy, the couple married in December 1977 and welcomed three children: Emily (now Miriam), Rebecca, and Joshua.

Their 32 years together were, in Esther’s words, “the best years of my life.” Desmond, a talented documentary filmmaker, brought warmth and light to their family, and his death from a heart attack in 2000 at age 69 left Esther devastated. She has often spoken of the profound grief she carries, recalling Desmond’s final words to her: “I adore you,” spoken as she sat by his deathbed. In 2013, she shared with her son that she would give up a decade of her life for just ten more minutes with Desmond, a sentiment that underscores the depth of her love. Now, facing her own mortality, Esther finds comfort in the hope of an afterlife where she can reunite with Desmond, her parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. “It’s a lovely idea to meet Desmond again and all those I have loved and lost,” she said, offering a glimpse into the emotional anchor that sustains her.

A Courageous Battle with Cancer

Esther Rantzen’s cancer journey began in late 2022 when she discovered a lump in her armpit. By January 2023, a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, which had progressed to stage four by May of that year. At one point, medical professionals warned her that she had only weeks to live, a prognosis that shook her and her family. Despite the grim outlook, Esther remained optimistic, buoyed by her characteristic resilience and the support of her children. In 2024, she began treatment with a new drug that she described as “amazing” for its ability to keep the cancer at bay. The medication allowed her to plan ahead, celebrate milestones like her 84th birthday, and continue her advocacy work.

However, in March 2025, her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, delivered a heartbreaking update: the drug was no longer effective. Esther confirmed this in a recent interview, noting that she is now trying a different treatment, but her future remains uncertain. “Some days are better than others,” she said, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of her condition. Despite the challenges, Esther has chosen to embrace each day as a gift, spending her time at her cottage in the New Forest, where she finds solace in her spring garden and enjoys simple pleasures like listening to Radio 4 and watching antique shows. “I know my own future is extremely limited, so now I enjoy each day as it comes as an extra bonus,” she shared.

A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy

Esther Rantzen’s life has been defined by her commitment to making a difference. As the presenter of That’s Life!, a groundbreaking BBC program that ran for 21 years, she tackled consumer issues, exposed injustices, and brought joy to audiences with its blend of investigative journalism and entertainment. Her most enduring legacy, however, is Childline, the helpline she founded in 1986 to support children in need. The charity has since helped millions, becoming a cornerstone of child protection in the UK. Later, she established The Silver Line, a helpline for older people, further cementing her reputation as a champion for the vulnerable.

In recent years, Esther has taken up another cause close to her heart: the legalization of assisted dying in the UK. After her cancer diagnosis, she joined Dignitas, a Swiss assisted dying clinic, to ensure she could have control over her end-of-life choices if her suffering became unbearable. However, her deteriorating health has made travel to Switzerland impossible, and the UK’s current laws criminalize assisting someone in ending their life. Esther and Rebecca have been vocal advocates for changing these laws, arguing that terminally ill individuals deserve the right to choose a dignified, pain-free death. “I want the ones I love to have good memories of our life together, not terrible memories of the way I die,” Esther said, highlighting the emotional weight of her campaign.

The assisted dying bill, championed by MP Kim Leadbeater, has faced delays, with its next stage in the Commons now scheduled for May 2025. Esther has expressed disappointment that any legal changes will likely come too late for her but remains determined to support the cause. “The sooner it is put in place, the more patients will be given that right, and the more vulnerable people will be protected from pressure or coercion,” she said. Her advocacy has sparked a national conversation, with many praising her courage in addressing such a sensitive issue while facing her own mortality.

Finding Joy Amid Sorrow

Despite the challenges of her illness, Esther Rantzen’s spirit remains unbroken. She has spoken of her gratitude for a life filled with meaningful work, deep friendships, and the love of her family. Her children, particularly Rebecca, have been a source of strength, sharing her commitment to advocacy and providing emotional support. Esther’s reflections on her life are filled with warmth and humor, as she recalls the laughter and hard work of her That’s Life! days and the joy of raising her children with Desmond.

Her love for Desmond continues to guide her, offering hope even in her darkest moments. The idea of an afterlife where she can reunite with him and other loved ones provides a sense of peace, allowing her to face the future with grace. “I am never bored,” she said, describing her days spent appreciating the beauty of her surroundings and staying connected to the world through radio and television. This ability to find joy in the present, even as she confronts the end, is a testament to her resilience and optimism.

A Message That Resonates

Esther Rantzen’s story is one of love, loss, and the courage to live fully in the face of death. Her final wish to be reunited with Desmond Wilcox speaks to the universal human longing for connection, while her advocacy for assisted dying challenges society to confront difficult questions about autonomy and dignity. As she spends her remaining days surrounded by the beauty of the New Forest and the love of her family, Esther continues to inspire those who know her story.

Her openness about her cancer journey and her hopes for the afterlife have touched countless lives, prompting reflection on what it means to live and die well. Whether through her groundbreaking work with Childline, her tireless campaign for assisted dying, or her heartfelt expressions of love for Desmond, Esther Rantzen’s legacy is one of compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others. As the world watches her final chapter unfold, her story serves as a powerful reminder to cherish every moment and to fight for the right to choose one’s own path.