Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, has offered a heartfelt update on her mother’s condition as the beloved broadcaster continues to live with terminal cancer ahead of her 86th birthday later this month.
The veteran campaigner and television presenter was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2023. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Rebecca revealed that her family remains deeply grateful for every moment they continue to share with Esther.
Appearing on Vanessa, Rebecca, 46, spoke candidly about her mother’s health and admitted that both she and Esther are amazed she has reached another birthday milestone.
“It’s her birthday coming up. She’s going to be 86 which is brilliant. She’s as astonished as anybody that she’s still here,” Rebecca said.
“We are so grateful. She was diagnosed three years ago with terminal stage four lung and breast cancer so every day is a wonderful miracle and we really are cherishing it. We are just so grateful to have her here.”
The emotional update comes just weeks before Esther celebrates her birthday on June 22, a date her family now views with even greater significance.
Rebecca also shared that her mother continues to find joy in one of her lifelong passions — the beautiful garden she created alongside her late husband, Desmond Wilcox, who passed away in 2000.
Describing the cherished outdoor space, Rebecca said: “Her garden is her passion. It is gorgeous. She’s an early adopter of rewilding. Monty Don has nothing on her. They built this garden from nothing. It was a dilapidated farm. I got married there.”
The garden has become a symbol of treasured family memories, reflecting decades of love, dedication and resilience.
While continuing to manage her illness, Dame Esther has remained an influential voice in public life. She has been one of the leading campaigners supporting assisted dying legislation in the UK, arguing that terminally ill people should have greater control over how and when they die.
Her work on the issue has earned widespread recognition. Earlier this year, Esther and fellow campaigner Prue Leith were both named in the influential Women in Westminster: The 100 list for 2026.
Speaking after receiving the honour in March, Esther said: “I’m extremely grateful for this Award, it is humbling to be included among so many extraordinary women. I would like to pay a personal tribute to Dame Prue Leith, who has not only made cake-baking and spectacle-wearing stylish and fashionable but she has added her invaluable support to the cause of assisted dying.”
As she approaches her 86th birthday, Esther continues to inspire supporters through her determination, advocacy work and enduring optimism. For her family, however, the greatest gift remains the extra time they have been able to spend together.
