Esther Rantzen no longer responds to cancer treatment

Dame Esther Rantzen, the 84-year-old broadcaster and founder of Childline, is no longer responding to her cancer treatment, according to her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox. Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, initially found hope in a new medication that had been keeping the disease at bay, but recent updates indicate that this is no longer the case. The situation has reignited discussions around the Assisted Dying Bill, which is currently being debated in the UK Parliament. Rantzen has expressed her views on the need for assisted dying laws, as she has considered traveling to Dignitas in Switzerland for end-of-life options, though this poses legal risks for her family. Rebecca emphasized the emotional toll of the current circumstances, stating that the possibility of assisted dying is now out of reach due to Esther's declining health. Despite these challenges, Rantzen remains a steadfast advocate for dignity in dying, drawing public support and attention to the ongoing debate about assisted dying in the UK.