Esther Rantzen’s daughter accepts award on mum’s behalf as ‘her health doesn’t allow it’ | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV [Video]

Dame Esther Rantzen was honoured with one of the highest accolades at the Royal Television Society Awards with a Gold Medal last night. Although the 83-year-old was unable to attend in person her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, accepted it on her behalf.

The Childline founder was diagnosed with terminal stage four lung cancer last year. Since her diagnosis, she has decided to register with Dignitas, in Switzerland.

Dignitas is an assisted dying clinic, which provides physician-assisted suicide to members with terminal illness or severe physical or mental illness. Currently, both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under English law.

Her daughter, 44, attended the ceremony at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Tuesday – as the broadcaster was too unwell to attend. Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid presented the huge honour while gushing over Dame Esther’s ground-breaking charitable work.

Susanna, 53, branded her “Television’s original consumer’s champion and its most fearless campaigner”. In an emotional speech following the ceremony, Rebecca could not hold back …