- The family of Dame Esther Rantzen has confirmed that a small, private funeral took place last week following the 86-year-old broadcaster and Childline founder's death at her home in the New Forest on 30 September.
- Dame Esther's daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, described the service as incredibly beautiful and noted that the family drew immense comfort from the widespread messages of sympathy received from around the world.
- A newly-published message written before her death revealed Dame Esther felt deprived of any choice over her own death due to current laws, whilst urging assisted dying campaigners to battle on.
- In her final note, Dame Esther disclosed that she had become too physically frail to travel to Switzerland to use the Dignitas clinic, but expressed deep gratitude for the care provided by her local Oakhaven Hospice.
- Plans for a broader memorial gathering will be made public in due course, and the family has asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be directed to Oakhaven Hospice, Childline, The Silver Line, and Cats Protection.
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