Dame Esther Rantzen has sent her thanks to fans for their incredible support following her recent cancer diagnosis.
The 82-year-old broadcaster revealed on Sunday that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer, which has now spread to other areas.
And now surprised by the support, she told the PA news agency: “I never dreamed that I would receive such extraordinarily kind messages.”
News: Dame Esther Rantzen has said she remains ‘optimistic’ after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer
Following the announcement, Dame Esther was inundated with support from fans and other celebrities.
And sharing how much the support has helped, he explained: “I never dreamed I would receive such extraordinarily kind messages, some from close family, friends and colleagues, some from viewers and readers I’ve never met, some from people I’m deeply fond of but haven’t seen. in a long time, and so many wicked memories of banter we enjoyed together that I can’t deny
The celebrities who are founders of the Childline and The Silver Line charities said in a statement to the PA news agency last week: “In recent weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread.”
‘Right now I am undergoing several tests to evaluate the best treatment.
He added that after having to disguise himself during his trips to the hospital for tests, he decided to go public.
“I have decided not to keep this secret anymore because it is difficult for me to hang around various hospitals in a lame disguise, and because I would prefer that you hear the facts for me,” he explained.
Esther went on to thank her family, friends and colleagues ‘who have made my life so happy’.
‘At the age of 82, this diagnosis has caused me to look back over the years, and I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who has made my life so joyful, fun-filled and inspired.
‘Optimistic’: Dame Esther said in a statement to the PA news agency: ‘In recent weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread’
‘First of all my family. My three children, Miriam, Rebecca, and Joshua, have been the most wonderful support, companionship, and source of love and laughter, and I am deeply grateful to them.
My friends have been amazing and have created memories that sustain me and give me strength.
‘My colleagues I have worked with and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector and in many other organizations have been a constant delight and amaze me with their tolerance of my crazy ideas and horrible jokes.
Grateful: Esther continued to thank her family, friends and colleagues ‘who have made my life so happy’, including her three children, Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua, ‘who have been the most wonderful support’ (pictured with her daughter Rebecca Wilcox in 2017)
“I have been continually inspired by the brave children, seniors and bystanders who have entrusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to live up to that trust.
As I’m sure you understand, while I’m waiting for test results, I can’t answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession, there are wonderful new treatments, so I remain optimistic.”
A pioneer of female broadcasters, Dame Esther became a household name during her career at the BBC.
She is best known for hosting That’s Life! – a show featuring a mix of investigations, current affairs, and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
Most recently, she headlined Channel 5’s 2018 consumer advice show Esther Rantzen’s House Trap and made a 2021 film for the channel titled Living With Grief.
In addition to her success as a journalist and broadcaster, Dame Esther is also the founder of the children’s charity Childline, which she founded in 1986.
Television career: A pioneer for female broadcasters, Dame Esther became a household name during her career at the BBC (pictured, ¡Así es la vida!, who helmed from 1973 to 1994)
NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless said in response to Sunday’s news: “I speak on behalf of Childline volunteers, staff and supporters in sending love and best wishes to Dame Esther Rantzen and her family.”
“Esther’s tireless commitment to Childline and the NSPCC as a whole over the years is truly inspiring and the positive impact she had on children’s lives is unimaginable.”
“No matter what, she has always been here for children and young people, and likewise, we are here to support her during this difficult time.”
Loss: Dame Esther documentarian Desmond Wilcox’s husband died in 2000, something she admitted she had a hard time coming to terms with (pictured together renewing their vows in 1999)
In 2012, Dame Esther helped create The Silver Line, a confidential helpline designed to combat loneliness for older people.
During the global pandemic, the star warned that lockdown restrictions had created a daily battle against isolation and loneliness for retirees, campaigning on behalf of the vulnerable.
She wrote regularly about her own experience of not being able to see her five grandchildren, Benji, nine, Xander and Teddy, seven, and Florence and Romilly, four.
Dame Esther’s documentarian Desmond Wilcox’s husband died in 2000, something she admitted she had a hard time coming to terms with.
The broadcaster and activist received a Damehood for services to children and the elderly in the 2015 New Year’s Honors List.
Children: Dame Esther is the mother of Emily, Josua and Rebecca and has five grandchildren Benji, nine, Xander and Teddy seven, and Florence and Romilly, four (pictured with her husband and children in 1986)
Activist: Received a Damehood for services to children and the elderly in 2015 (pictured in 2017 with King Charles at a reception to mark the Duchess of Cornwall’s 70th birthday)