Dame Esther Rantzen says in a final note she was 'deprived of any choice' over her own death
Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen wrote that she had become 'too physically frail to take the flight' to an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. She blamed the 'current messy criminal law', while praising Oakhaven Hospice for its care. The 86-year-old died at her Bramshaw home in the New Forest on 30 September. Her family released the note after a small, private funeral last week.
To opponents of the law change, she wrote: 'Rest assured I will not come back to haunt you.'
MPs voted against legalising assisted dying in September.
Her parting line to campaigners: 'Nobody wants to shorten life, just to shorten death.'
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LBC‘I was deprived of any choice over my own death’: Dame Esther Rantzen’s heartbreaking final message revealedThe TelegraphDame Esther Rantzen felt deprived of choice over her deathBBC News - EnglandRantzen felt 'deprived of choice' over her own deathDaily Mail NewsI'll fight for assisted dying from beyond the grave: Esther RantzenEvening StandardEsther Rantzen laid to rest as family share final message from late broadcasterThe IndependentEsther Rantzen said she was ‘deprived of any choice’ over her own death in message written before she diedEvening StandardDame Esther Rantzen laid to rest in 'beautiful funeral' ceremony, family revealsEvening StandardEsther Rantzen laid to rest as family share her emotional 'assisted dying' wishIrish IndependentBritish broadcaster Esther Rantzen laid to rest as family shares her final message
