Dame Esther Rantzen has thanked fans for their incredible support following her recent cancer diagnosis.
The 82-year-old broadcaster announced on Sunday that she was diagnosed with lung cancer, which has now spread to other areas.
And now overwhelmed by the support, she told the PA news agency: “I never thought I would receive such extraordinarily kind news.”
News: Dame Esther Rantzen has said she remains ‘optimistic’ after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer
Following the announcement, Dame Esther, the founder of charities Childline and The Silver Line, was inundated with support from fans and other celebrities.
And sharing how much the support has helped, she explained: “I never thought I would receive such extraordinarily kind messages, some from close relatives, friends and colleagues…
“Some from viewers and readers I’ve never met, others from people I really like but haven’t seen in ages – and so many fond memories of jokes we enjoyed together that I can’t deny. “
The TV personality even got emotional over the flood of messages and even shed a few positive tears.
‘Upbeat’: Dame Esther said in a statement to the PA news agency: ‘In the past few weeks I have discovered that I have lung cancer which has now spread.’
She added to PA: “So thank you for lifting my spirits, especially with personal anecdotes from people who have been helped by charities like Childline and The Silver Line and stories from friends who have experienced truly effective cancer treatments.
“Over the past day I’ve realized that if you decide, like me, to share your story, you’ll be amazed and delighted at how kind people are – and sometimes slightly shocked at how accurate their memories of your offenses can be. Thank you all!’
Following the news over the weekend, fans took to Twitter to express their sadness and praise for Dame Esther, calling her a “living legend” and admiring her “positive attitude”.
One said: “Dame Esther Rantzen is more than a living legend. She is such an amazing force for good.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her and I wish her all the best in a speedy recovery. We need fabulous people like her.’
“I wish her and her family all the best. And thank her for her activism, which shines a light on the vulnerable and otherwise unheard, young and old.
While a fourth added: “Very sad but an admirably positive attitude from Esther Rantzen”.
Dame Esther shared her health news over the weekend with a statement to the PA news agency, in which she said: “Over the past few weeks I have discovered that I have lung cancer which has now spread.”
“At the moment I am undergoing various tests to determine the best treatment.
She added that she decided to go public after disguising herself during her trips to the hospital for tests.
“I have decided not to keep this secret any longer because I find it difficult to sneak around different hospitals in an unconvincing disguise and because I’d rather you hear the facts from me,” she explained.
Esther continued by thanking 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 deepest gratitude to everyone who has made my life so happy, fun and inspirational.
“First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them.
“My friends have been amazing and have created memories that support me and give me strength.
“My colleagues with whom I have worked and continue to work in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector and many other organizations have been a constant pleasure and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and terrible jokes.
Grateful: Esther went on to thank her family, friends and colleagues “who have made my life so joyful,” including her three children, Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua, “who have been the most wonderful support” (pictured with daughter Rebecca Wilcox in 2017)
“I have always been inspired by the brave children, elders and viewers who have shared their life stories with me. I’ve always tried to live up to that trust.
“As I’m sure you’ll understand, I can’t answer questions while I await the results of the tests. Wonderful new treatments are emerging thanks to the extraordinary skill of the medical community, so I remain optimistic.”
Dame Esther, who was a pioneer for women broadcasters, became a household name during her career with the BBC.
She is best known for presenting That’s Life! – a program with a mix of research, current affairs and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
More recently she hosted the consumer advice program Esther Rantzen’s House Trap on Channel 5 in 2018 and directed a film for the channel in 2021 called 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: Dame Esther, who pioneered female broadcasters, became a household name during her BBC career (pictured on That’s Life!, which she hosted from 1973 to 1994)
NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless said in response to Sunday’s news: “Speaking on behalf of Childline’s volunteers, staff and supporters, I send love and best wishes to Dame Esther Rantzen and her family.
‘Esther’s tireless dedication to Childline and the broader NSPCC over the years is truly inspiring and the positive impact she has had on the children’s lives is unimaginable.’
“No matter what, she has always been there for children and young people and we are also here to support her during this challenging time.”
Loss: Dame Esther’s documentary-maker husband Desmond Wilcox died in 2000, something she has admitted she struggles to come to terms with (pictured together when they renewed their vows in 1999)
In 2012, Dame Esther helped set up The Silver Line, a confidential helpline to combat elder loneliness.
During the global pandemic, the star warned that lockdown restrictions had created a daily battle against isolation and loneliness for retirees, and championed 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 husband of documentary filmmaker Desmond Wilcox died in 2000, something she admitted had trouble 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 Roll.
Children: Dame Esther is a mother to Emily, Joshua 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: She received a damehood for services to children and the elderly in 2015 (pictured with King Charles at a reception celebrating the Duchess of Cornwall’s 70th birthday in 2017)