Esther Rantzen’s Honest Christmas Decision Filled With Love and Courage
So, there’s been some incredibly moving news about Dame Esther Rantzen, and it really speaks to the strength and honesty she’s known for. At 85, after being diagnosed with incurable lung cancer back in 2023, she has opened up about her plans for this year’s festive season — and they’re both heartbreaking and beautifully thoughtful.
Esther revealed that she’s choosing to celebrate Christmas early with her children and her five grandchildren. The idea came from a place of realism, not fear. She explained that having an “official” Christmas ahead of December 25 gives her a better chance of being here to enjoy it fully, surrounded by her loved ones. It’s the kind of practical yet deeply emotional decision that only someone who has faced her situation with such clarity could make.
She said her daughter Rebecca will still come over, just like every year, to decorate the house with all the familiar baubles and old bits of tinsel. Even though Esther lives alone, that tradition continues to bring warmth into her home, and she clearly cherishes it.
Also Read:What’s remarkable is that Esther honestly didn’t think she would live to see even one more Christmas after her diagnosis. The cancer progressed quickly to Stage 4, and treatment eventually stopped because the side-effects outweighed any benefit. Her family later confirmed that the medication wasn’t working anymore. Yet somehow, she has made it through two more festive seasons — something she calls a “wonderful surprise.”
This year, however, she’s not sure how much time she has left, and she admitted she’s unsure if she’ll make it through the next few weeks. Still, she’s doing what she can to hold onto the joy in life. She even joked about ordering tulip bulbs for spring — a small act of hopefulness that clearly means a lot to her. She’s making sure there will be a turkey for the celebration, too, because she wants the family to enjoy the moment, whatever happens next.
Beyond her personal life, Esther continues to push for something incredibly important to her: the legalisation of assisted dying. Her campaigning since her diagnosis has given renewed hope to many others facing terminal illnesses. Even though she believes she may not live to see the Assisted Dying Bill passed, she’s proud of the progress so far and the discussions it has sparked.
And if she’s still around for the real Christmas and New Year? She says those days will be quiet, peaceful ones at home — but filled with lively Zoom chats and phone calls, which she still treasures.
Esther’s story is sad, yes, but it’s also filled with gratitude, bravery, and a genuine appreciation for each remaining moment.
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