# Esther Rantzen's final note on assisted dying

> Dame Esther Rantzen pledges to fight for assisted dying rights from beyond the grave in her last message.
- Title: Esther Rantzen's final note on assisted dying · Dailymail
- Summary: Dame Esther Rantzen pledges to fight for assisted dying rights from beyond the grave in her last message. Dame Esther Rant: 86-year-old philanthropist died…
- Keywords: esther rantzen, assisted dying, stage four lung cancer, childline, oakhaven hospice, terminally ill adults end of life bill, news, entertainment, Esther, Rantzen's, final, note
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16222071/Esther-Rantzen-final-note.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: esther rantzen, assisted dying, stage four lung cancer, childline, oakhaven hospice, terminally ill adults end of life bill, news, entertainment
## Esther Rantzen's final note
Dame Esther Rantzen wrote a final note before her death urging support for assisted dying legislation.

> I'll fight for assisted dying from beyond the grave
## Death details
Dame Esther Rantzen died last month at her home in New Forest after a three-year battle with stage four lung cancer.
## Assisted dying campaign
Her campaign focused on legalising assisted dying for terminally ill patients to avoid suffering.
## Final message content
She felt 'deprived of any choice over my own death' and encouraged campaigners to 'battle on'.

> I felt 'deprived of any choice over my own death'
## Current law limitations
The current criminal law prevents terminally ill patients from choosing assisted dying without suffering.
## Terminally Ill Adults Bill
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced in 2024 but failed to become law.
## Swiss clinic attempt
She confirmed she was too physically frail to travel to a Swiss assisted dying clinic.
## Dignitas support
She thanked the Dignitas team for their efforts to help her with assisted dying.
## Campaign impact
Her death has intensified calls for assisted dying legislation in the UK.
## Family tribute
Rebecca Wilcox, her daughter, described the funeral as 'incredibly beautiful' and noted global sympathy messages.
## Charity donations
Family requested donations to Oakhaven Hospice, Childline, The Silver Line, and Cats Protection in her name.
## Legacy message
She urged campaigners to continue fighting for assisted dying rights despite her death.

> I will do everything I can from here to help you
## Key quote
She stated that assisted dying would provide 'swift, pain-free death' without suffering for families.

> a swift, pain, free death and my family would not have had to witness any suffering or lack of dignity and privacy at the end
## Opposition response
She addressed opponents, stating they would not 'come back to haunt' her but had the right to choose.

> I will not come back to haunt you
## Campaign call to action
She encouraged campaigners to continue their work to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill patients.

> I will do everything I can from here to help you
## Key takeaway

Dame Esther Rant: 86-year-old philanthropist died after three-year battle with stage four lung cancer and left a final note urging support for assisted dying legislation.