Latest news with #Childline
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Esther Rantzen's daughter forced to share pics of her cancer battle live on TV after 'disgusting' fake images of 85 year old are posted in hoax that left her 'appalled'
Dame Esther Rantzen 's daughter was forced to share pictures of her mother's cancer battle on TV after fake images of her were posted in an appalling hoax. TV presenter Rebecca Wilcox, 45, the second of the 85-year-old journalist's three children, spoke about the ordeal on today's episode of BBC One Morning Live. Her mother, known for presenting BBC magazine programme That's Life! from 1973 to 1994 and founding Childline, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023. But Rebecca told presenters Gethin Jones, 47, and Kimberley Walsh, 43, fake news and images regarding her mother's health had recently circulated online. It included AI-generated pictures showing the broadcaster in hospital, headlines claiming she was in a coma and even a story reporting she had died. Rebecca was forced to go as far as to appear on Morning Live, alongside the show's Scam and Crime expert, Rav Wilding, 47, to debunk the false information. She first displayed the upsetting fake images of Dame Esther that had been generated and spread. The false pictures have upset the family so much that Rebecca warned her mother and sister, watching at home, to look away as they were shown on camera. Rebecca opened: 'I was just appalled by them...' Referring to one particular image, she said: 'That one, really, I hate. I think she's either supposed to be dead or in a coma and that's the one I think looks most like her. 'It's just an extraordinary thing to do, it's just a weird, horrible thing to do, she doesn't look like that.' And as Esther has been 'very private' about her battle with cancer, sharing it just with her family, many of her friends have not seen her for months, Rebecca explained: 'So, that's the first thing they're seeing, they think that's her. That's appalling. 'Even her grandchildren, I've had to warn my brother to tell his kids that these pictures are out there, that they're not real, that's not what she looks like... 'How dare somebody do this to anybody? And we're not the only ones it's been done to.' After denouncing the false images, Rebecca shared pictures of her mother's birthday party, which happened just days ago. Dame Esther looked happy with a massive smile, wearing a gorgeous yellow floral dress as she posed with her daughter and took a walk in her garden. It was a stark contrast to her frail appearance that was manufactured in the AI-generated images, Rebecca said: 'She looks incredible right now.' She showed both sets of images, real and fake, to demonstrate to viewers just how false the manufactured images of her mother are. 'I wanted you to see mum, looking well, and I'm really grateful to you guys for letting me show this side of her because I just want to put the record straight', she said. Kimberley dubbed the spread of the fake news 'disgusting', with Gethin labelling it an 'unnecessary stress on top of everything else'. Rebecca also pointed out how distressing the comments on these fake social media posts have been - even accusing the family of disseminating the images themselves. 'Some people accusing us of being obscene, "How dare we undermine the greatness of mum by showing these pictures?", "It's such an invasion of privacy", she quoted. 'But this was nothing to do with us. We wouldn't have done that, we would never have done that without her permission. They're not real pictures!' Rav agreed about how distressing such fake images are, warning of just how much false information there is out there. It is especially important to fight it, he said, as 52 per cent of people use social media as their primary news source, according to Ofcom. Rav explained: 'So, most people are going to believe what they see as being correct.' He advised: 'There are lots of things out there that are not to be trusted online and it's really just a reminder. 'It doesn't matter what you see pop up, you need to do some checks to make sure it is something that you can trust.' The expert told viewers what to look out for to spot false images, zooming in on details in the pictures of Dame Esther to show what he meant. He pointed out a piece of medical equipment with all the buttons overlapping and on top of each other and an IV drip with a number on the bag that just did not blend in. The image also showed a mattress that appeared to blend into the wall. Rav explained why these are signs of falsified images: 'AI struggles with the finer details within an image it's creating. It takes time, it does take time [to check].' Every social media platform has a quick, easy reporting function, which he advised viewers to use whenever they see any kind of false information or images. Rebecca's appearance on Morning Live comes after Dame Esther opened up about her heartbreaking final wish earlier this year in an update on her health. She expressed her deep desire to be reunited with her late husband Desmond Wilcox, who she lost to a heart attack in 2000 at the age of 69. The Childline founder spoke deeply about her lasting bond with Desmond, reflecting on the possibility of an afterlife where they could be together once again. She told The Times in April: 'If there is a heaven, it would be a very happy place. 'It's a lovely idea to meet Desmond again and all those I have loved and lost — my parents and grandparents, my close friends and family.' Rebecca's appearance on Morning Live comes after Dame Esther (pictured in 2020) opened up about her heartbreaking final wish earlier this year in an update on her health She expressed her deep desire to be reunited with her late husband Desmond Wilcox, who she lost to a heart attack in 2000 at the age of 69. Pictured: The couple together in 1999 Esther's relationship with Desmond began as an affair in 1968, when he was her head of department at the BBC. They married in 1977 and had three children, spending 30 years together until his death. Just a month before Esther revealed her heartbreaking final wish, her daughter Rebecca had revealed the cancer drug her mother was put on was no longer working. Last year, the star raved about an 'amazing' new drug which had delayed the spread of her cancer, telling The Sunday Times it had allowed her to plan ahead. But in March, Rebecca gave an update on her mother during an interview on 5 News, revealing the medication was no longer working. Host Julian Druker asked if the medication she was on 'was an improvement' only for an emotional Rebecca to admit: 'I really wish that was true but I don't think that's the case anymore.' Both Dame Esther and her daughter are advocates for legalising assisted dying in the UK, with a bill to this effect currently having its second reading in the House of Lords. Responding to news of delays to the bill, Rebecca explained: 'I just wish that people understood that all the assisted dying bill is, is choice for people that want it. 'All it is, is giving you peace of mind and that peace of mind, I cannot tell you how powerful that would be right now for my mum. 'I'm a witness to the trauma of uncertainty, to the trauma of stress around what is going to happen. 'The fact that she doesn't know how her death is going to happen, how the pain is going to progress, the exhaustion, the fatigue, what symptoms are going to come in. 'She is a person who has fought her whole life for other people, and she has no control now. 'Why can't we give people like my mum with a terminal diagnosis, with no other choice, some choice as to when and how and where they die?'
BBC News
23-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Transition day: Top tips for starting a new class or school
As the end of the school year slowly approaches, for some of you this might mean a change of classroom, teacher or even the UK, schools often hold what are know as transition days or weeks. These are when pupils get to visit their new school to see what it's like and meet their new it's moving into high school, or from infants to juniors - keep reading to find out some top tips to help you on your want to know if you've had or are going to have a transition day? Have you got any advice for others? Let us know in the comments below. What are transition days? Transition days provide you with an opportunity to learn more about your soon-to-be school environment, new teachers, classmates and new also a good time to bring up any questions you might have about this new chapter in your idea of starting at a new school can be a little worrying for lots of people, and transition days are a great way of making students feel more comfortable and informed about the whole a transition day where other pupils are present can also remind students that lots of people are in the situation and that can be a really reassuring feeling. Top tips for starting at a new school Although starting a new class or school can seem scary at times, there are lots and lots of students who've gone through the process Robinson, who works at Childline, told Newsround that it can be a "scary time and every year lots of young people tell us that they are worried about the change in environment and about their friends not going to the same school."Whilst change can feel really difficult, overcoming it gets easier the more often you do it and eventually you may start to look forward to new challenges," she change from being the oldest in school to being the youngest can be unsettling for some, with some feeling a little worried about being in an environment with older idea of having new teachers, new subjects and meeting new people can be daunting but also pretty exciting. Newsround asked some Year 7s to give their advice to Year 6s starting a new said to "be yourself, don't worry too much and be kind".Their advice for dealing with any unexpected changes next year is to "get fresh air" and "go on a bike ride and play football to reduce stress".They also explained that even if you haven't been able to visit your new class or school, it's important to remember that "all teachers are understanding and can help you with your worries" when you you're still a little worried, there is lots of support out there for you to get help and to a friend or an adult you trust, like a parent, guardian or a teacher.
Leader Live
20-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Esther Rantzen and terminally ill preacher make case for assisted dying Bill
The broadcaster made a plea to parliamentarians on the eve of Friday's vote to change what she branded a 'current, cruel, messy criminal law'. The House of Commons will have a debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, which will see it either progress to the House of Lords or fall completely. Dame Esther, a staunch supporter of Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, has been a prominent voice in the conversation on assisted dying. Last week, Labour MP and Bill opponent, Rupa Huq, pledged to be a voice for the voiceless, noting that the Childline founder and others' views are already well-known. She added: 'We know that Esther Rantzen wants this. We know (broadcaster) Jonathan Dimbleby wants this. 'But our role is to be voice of the voiceless as well.' Dame Esther, who is terminally ill with cancer, said the 'truly voiceless' are the terminally ill who face ' an agonising death' and their relatives. She told the PA news agency: 'This is a crucial debate for the truly voiceless. 'They are the terminally ill adults for whom life has become unbearable and who need assistance, not to shorten their lives but to shorten an agonising death – and their loved ones who under the current law will be accused of committing a crime if they try to assist or even stay alongside to say goodbye. 'These are the truly vulnerable and voiceless who depend on our lawmakers to change our current, cruel, messy criminal law. 'All this Bill allows is choice for desperately ill adults who are dying anyway but want the confidence of knowing that they can ask for help to choose what we all hope for; a quick, pain-free death with good memories left behind as their legacy for those they love. 'Please allow us terminally ill the dignity of choice over our own deaths. A change in the law cannot come in time for me, but will transform the final days of generations in the future. Those who disagree with assisted dying under the new law will have the right to their own choice, please allow the rest of us to have the same right.' Dame Esther's words came as a group of terminally ill and bereaved people shared their stories at a press briefing alongside the Labour Bill sponsor, Ms Leadbeater, on Thursday. Church of England lay preacher Pamela Fisher, who is terminally ill with cancer, made an impassioned speech against the religious arguments made by some who oppose assisted dying. She said: 'I completely reject the assumption that the sanctity of life requires terminally ill people to undergo a distressing and painful death against their will. I disagree with those that say it is God alone who decides how and when we die. 'Yes, life is a gift from God to be honoured, but it's nonsensical to say that assisted dying is wrong because suffering is part of God's plan for us.' The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols – who is opposed to assisted dying – has previously argued that the suffering of human beings is 'an intrinsic part of our human journey, a journey embraced by the eternal word of God, Christ Jesus himself'. Meanwhile, Anil Douglas, whose father took his own life having suffered with multiple sclerosis, recalled the trauma of finding him. He said a six-month police investigation followed, and told the press conference: 'The law in this country failed my father.' He added: 'The (current) law leads people like my father to make lonely and dangerous decisions. It does not protect against coercion. It does not offer protections or choice for dying people. 'It does not offer terminally ill, mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, the chance to choose a safe and compassionate death when even the very best palliative care is not enough. It leads to lonely, dangerous, traumatic deaths.' Bill opponents have argued it is not robust enough to protect the most vulnerable against coercion, and others who might choose assisted dying because they feel they are a burden. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
South Wales Guardian
19-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Esther Rantzen and terminally ill preacher make case for assisted dying Bill
The broadcaster made a plea to parliamentarians on the eve of Friday's vote to change what she branded a 'current, cruel, messy criminal law'. The House of Commons will have a debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, which will see it either progress to the House of Lords or fall completely. Dame Esther, a staunch supporter of Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, has been a prominent voice in the conversation on assisted dying. Last week, Labour MP and Bill opponent, Rupa Huq, pledged to be a voice for the voiceless, noting that the Childline founder and others' views are already well-known. She added: 'We know that Esther Rantzen wants this. We know (broadcaster) Jonathan Dimbleby wants this. 'But our role is to be voice of the voiceless as well.' Dame Esther, who is terminally ill with cancer, said the 'truly voiceless' are the terminally ill who face ' an agonising death' and their relatives. She told the PA news agency: 'This is a crucial debate for the truly voiceless. 'They are the terminally ill adults for whom life has become unbearable and who need assistance, not to shorten their lives but to shorten an agonising death – and their loved ones who under the current law will be accused of committing a crime if they try to assist or even stay alongside to say goodbye. 'These are the truly vulnerable and voiceless who depend on our lawmakers to change our current, cruel, messy criminal law. 'All this Bill allows is choice for desperately ill adults who are dying anyway but want the confidence of knowing that they can ask for help to choose what we all hope for; a quick, pain-free death with good memories left behind as their legacy for those they love. 'Please allow us terminally ill the dignity of choice over our own deaths. A change in the law cannot come in time for me, but will transform the final days of generations in the future. Those who disagree with assisted dying under the new law will have the right to their own choice, please allow the rest of us to have the same right.' Dame Esther's words came as a group of terminally ill and bereaved people shared their stories at a press briefing alongside the Labour Bill sponsor, Ms Leadbeater, on Thursday. Church of England lay preacher Pamela Fisher, who is terminally ill with cancer, made an impassioned speech against the religious arguments made by some who oppose assisted dying. She said: 'I completely reject the assumption that the sanctity of life requires terminally ill people to undergo a distressing and painful death against their will. I disagree with those that say it is God alone who decides how and when we die. 'Yes, life is a gift from God to be honoured, but it's nonsensical to say that assisted dying is wrong because suffering is part of God's plan for us.' The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols – who is opposed to assisted dying – has previously argued that the suffering of human beings is 'an intrinsic part of our human journey, a journey embraced by the eternal word of God, Christ Jesus himself'. Meanwhile, Anil Douglas, whose father took his own life having suffered with multiple sclerosis, recalled the trauma of finding him. He said a six-month police investigation followed, and told the press conference: 'The law in this country failed my father.' He added: 'The (current) law leads people like my father to make lonely and dangerous decisions. It does not protect against coercion. It does not offer protections or choice for dying people. 'It does not offer terminally ill, mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, the chance to choose a safe and compassionate death when even the very best palliative care is not enough. It leads to lonely, dangerous, traumatic deaths.' Bill opponents have argued it is not robust enough to protect the most vulnerable against coercion, and others who might choose assisted dying because they feel they are a burden. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
North Wales Chronicle
19-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Esther Rantzen and terminally ill preacher make case for assisted dying Bill
The broadcaster made a plea to parliamentarians on the eve of Friday's vote to change what she branded a 'current, cruel, messy criminal law'. The House of Commons will have a debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday, which will see it either progress to the House of Lords or fall completely. Dame Esther, a staunch supporter of Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, has been a prominent voice in the conversation on assisted dying. Last week, Labour MP and Bill opponent, Rupa Huq, pledged to be a voice for the voiceless, noting that the Childline founder and others' views are already well-known. She added: 'We know that Esther Rantzen wants this. We know (broadcaster) Jonathan Dimbleby wants this. 'But our role is to be voice of the voiceless as well.' Dame Esther, who is terminally ill with cancer, said the 'truly voiceless' are the terminally ill who face ' an agonising death' and their relatives. She told the PA news agency: 'This is a crucial debate for the truly voiceless. 'They are the terminally ill adults for whom life has become unbearable and who need assistance, not to shorten their lives but to shorten an agonising death – and their loved ones who under the current law will be accused of committing a crime if they try to assist or even stay alongside to say goodbye. 'These are the truly vulnerable and voiceless who depend on our lawmakers to change our current, cruel, messy criminal law. 'All this Bill allows is choice for desperately ill adults who are dying anyway but want the confidence of knowing that they can ask for help to choose what we all hope for; a quick, pain-free death with good memories left behind as their legacy for those they love. 'Please allow us terminally ill the dignity of choice over our own deaths. A change in the law cannot come in time for me, but will transform the final days of generations in the future. Those who disagree with assisted dying under the new law will have the right to their own choice, please allow the rest of us to have the same right.' Dame Esther's words came as a group of terminally ill and bereaved people shared their stories at a press briefing alongside the Labour Bill sponsor, Ms Leadbeater, on Thursday. Church of England lay preacher Pamela Fisher, who is terminally ill with cancer, made an impassioned speech against the religious arguments made by some who oppose assisted dying. She said: 'I completely reject the assumption that the sanctity of life requires terminally ill people to undergo a distressing and painful death against their will. I disagree with those that say it is God alone who decides how and when we die. 'Yes, life is a gift from God to be honoured, but it's nonsensical to say that assisted dying is wrong because suffering is part of God's plan for us.' The Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols – who is opposed to assisted dying – has previously argued that the suffering of human beings is 'an intrinsic part of our human journey, a journey embraced by the eternal word of God, Christ Jesus himself'. Meanwhile, Anil Douglas, whose father took his own life having suffered with multiple sclerosis, recalled the trauma of finding him. He said a six-month police investigation followed, and told the press conference: 'The law in this country failed my father.' He added: 'The (current) law leads people like my father to make lonely and dangerous decisions. It does not protect against coercion. It does not offer protections or choice for dying people. 'It does not offer terminally ill, mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, the chance to choose a safe and compassionate death when even the very best palliative care is not enough. It leads to lonely, dangerous, traumatic deaths.' Bill opponents have argued it is not robust enough to protect the most vulnerable against coercion, and others who might choose assisted dying because they feel they are a burden. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
