Rebecca Wilcox, daughter of broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, has spoken publicly about her grief following her mother’s death and her commitment to continue her legacy. Dame Esther, who passed away aged 86 on September 30, was a prominent advocate for assisted dying legislation and founder of the children’s helpline Childline.

Dame Esther had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and spent her final months campaigning for a change in the law to allow assisted dying. Despite her efforts, the bill was defeated by lawmakers on September 11, a decision she described as a “tragic day.” She died 19 days later at home surrounded by her family. One of her last acts was composing a farewell email, in which she acknowledged those who opposed the legislation and humorously promised not to “haunt” them.

Wilcox recounted the sudden impact of her mother’s death, describing moments of intense grief that can unexpectedly overwhelm her. She also spoke of the profound influence her mother had, both as a fearless communicator who encouraged openness about death and as the founder of Childline, which recently marked its 40th anniversary. The helpline, originally established to support children in crisis via telephone, has since expanded its reach and now offers assistance primarily through online contact. Over its history, Childline has provided more than six million counseling sessions, with a child reaching out approximately every 45 seconds.

As someone who trained as a counselor and actively worked on Childline’s helplines, Wilcox has a personal connection to the organization. She has taken on a leadership role as deputy president of Childline and has increasingly stepped into her mother’s public and boardroom roles over recent years. Though initially hesitant, Wilcox embraced this responsibility at Esther’s encouragement. She recounted receiving ongoing advice and support from her mother until her passing.

Wilcox acknowledged the challenge of continuing the work her mother began, describing the pressure of preserving Childline’s mission and the difficulty of living in the shadow of a figure described by many as “a one-off.” She expressed both affection and realism about the task ahead, highlighting the intensity of her mother’s personality and commitment.

While the family funeral was private, plans are underway for a memorial service celebrating Dame Esther’s life and achievements, a significant event reflecting her own wishes.

In addition to her grief, Wilcox voiced strong frustration and anger over the defeat of the assisted dying legislation, emphasizing the impact of the decision on her family and many others. She remains determined to uphold her mother’s legacy, recognizing the complexity of balancing personal loss with public advocacy.