Dame Esther Rantzen has shared that she is choosing to celebrate Christmas earlier than usual this year, hoping to spend meaningful time with her family while she still feels able to enjoy it. Her decision comes as she continues to live with terminal illness and reflect openly on life, family, and choice.
Dame Esther Plans an Early Family Christmas
The 85-year-old broadcaster and Childline founder has decided to bring forward her “official” Christmas celebration so she can be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She explained that celebrating early offers reassurance that she will be well enough to take part and fully appreciate the time together.
When she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in early 2023, she did not expect to reach another Christmas. Being able to plan one now feels, to her, like an unexpected and precious gift.
Living With Two Cancer Diagnoses
Dame Esther recently revealed that she has also been diagnosed with a second, unrelated form of cancer. She described the situation with characteristic honesty, calling it frustrating to be dealing with two different cancers at the same time.
Her lung cancer responded well to a newer targeted treatment, which successfully reduced tumours, though she was told from the outset that the treatment would delay progression rather than cure the disease. The second cancer required chemotherapy and radiotherapy, though she is not currently undergoing treatment due to concerns about side effects outweighing benefits.
Slow Progression and Living With Uncertainty
Although both cancers are progressing, recent scans have shown that this is happening slowly. Dame Esther has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of regular scans, describing the anxiety many cancer patients feel in the lead-up to test results — something often referred to as “scanxiety.”
She explained that not knowing what is happening inside her body between scans can be mentally exhausting, with anxiety increasing as each appointment approaches.
A Life of Impact and Advocacy
Dame Esther’s career began in broadcasting before she became a household name through her work on consumer and social justice programmes. Her commitment to protecting vulnerable people led to the creation of Childline in 1986, followed decades later by The Silver Line, a support service for older adults experiencing loneliness.
In recent years, she has also become a prominent advocate for the legalisation of assisted dying, speaking from personal experience about dignity, choice, and compassion at the end of life.
Views on Assisted Dying and the Future
She has openly discussed making arrangements to travel alone to Switzerland for assisted dying if necessary, explaining that loved ones cannot accompany her without legal risk. While she does not expect to live long enough to see changes in the law, she hopes future generations will benefit from greater choice and clarity.
She has expressed both hope and frustration regarding the ongoing debate, praising those pushing for reform while criticising efforts she feels are designed to delay progress rather than engage meaningfully with the issue.
Choosing Meaning, Family, and Peace
At the heart of Dame Esther’s message is a desire to focus on love, connection, and dignity. Bringing Christmas forward is not about giving up, but about choosing joy, presence, and togetherness in a time filled with uncertainty.
Her openness continues to resonate with many, offering comfort to others facing serious illness and encouraging honest conversations about life, death, and how we choose to spend our remaining time.