Rantzen felt 'deprived of choice' over her own death
Broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has died at 86, leaving behind a posthumous note expressing frustration that the law prevented her from choosing an assisted death. Rantzen was a prominent advocate for assisted dying legislation in the UK.
Why it matters
Her death reignites the ethical and legal debate surrounding assisted dying and end-of-life care policies in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Dame Esther Rantzen died at her home in Bramshaw, in the New Forest, on 30 September
A posthumous note written by Dame Esther Rantzen said she was "deprived of any choice over my own death".
The farewell message was released as the 86-year-old broadcaster and campaigner's family confirmed she had been laid to rest in an "incredibly beautiful" private funeral last week.
The Childline founder, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023, died at her Bramshaw home in the New Forest, Hampshire, on 30 September.
A larger memorial service is expected to take place at a later date.
Rantzen's daughter Rebecca Wilcox said the family had been inundated with messages since her death.
"It's been hugely comforting to know that people around the world felt the same way about her as we did," she said.
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