Andy Burnham and others pay tribute as Dame Esther Rantzen dies aged 86

Rantzen built a long public career at the BBC, beginning as a trainee sound effects assistant. Over decades she became known as a broadcaster and campaigner, founding two organisations that are repeatedly mentioned in the tributes: Childline and The Silver Line. Childline focused on children in need, while The Silver Line provided a helpline service aimed at older people.

After her stage four lung cancer diagnosis she made public decisions about assisted dying. She revealed in December 2023 that she had joined Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying clinic, and spoke openly about her plans. Around a year after that announcement she said she was too physically fragile to travel to Switzerland to end her life at an assisted dying clinic. Her willingness to speak publicly about her illness and the choices she faced was highlighted by several tributes.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted on social media expressing sadness at her death and praising her decades of campaigning. He said she "changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard," and noted his admiration for "the characteristic courage and openness with which she spoke about her illness, making us all think about the difficult questions we face at the end of life."

Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly described Rantzen as "funny, forthright and fabulous," calling her a pioneer and a force of nature. Age UK chief executive Paul Farmer offered condolences on behalf of Age UK and described Rantzen as a "true inspiration" who helped thousands of lonely older people through The Silver Line Helpline. He said her dedication to older people was unrivalled and that her legacy will continue through the helpline's work.

Tributes concentrate on three practical aspects of Rantzen's public life: the social services and support networks she created, her broadcasting career which started at the BBC, and her public discussion of terminal illness and assisted dying options. Commentators highlighted the help provided by The Silver Line to older people and the voice Childline gave to vulnerable children.

What this means for organisations she founded

For people affected by the areas Rantzen worked in — child welfare or older people's loneliness — the practical takeaway is where to find existing support: Childline and The Silver Line remain operational resources, with The Silver Line now operating within Age UK. For those interested in public conversations about assisted dying and end-of-life choices, Rantzen's openness about her own decisions is likely to continue to inform public debate.