October 21st, 2008
Inspiring Women: Esther Rantzen CBE
Esther Rantzen has been a broadcaster for more than forty years but it is her work for charity that I find inspiring.
She was first known in Britain for reporting on Braden’s Week and then for producing and hosting a programme called, That’s Life. This drew a viewing public of 18 million and whilst it had a dry humour element the programme also tackled issues of injustice. That’s Life lasted for twenty one years.
Esther’s programme, The Big Time, helped to start the career of Sheena Easton. Since then she has done a number of radio and documentary programmes. Whilst preparing a programme about child abuse in 1986 she invented the concept of ChildLine. This is an emergency telephone line designed for children who need help, who don’t have anyone that they can go to and they are guaranteed a listening ear. ChildLine is a major contributor to fighting abuse, neglect and cruelty to children in Britain. ChildLine, which is run by the NSPCC, has fourteen counselling centres throughout Britain and each day answers 2500 calls from children. The lines are open 24/7 and are free to callers. If you’d like to find out more about Esther’s brainwave the ChildLine’s website is http://www.childline.org.uk and if you need the telephone number to give to a child it is 08001111.
Ester has received many awards over the years. She was the first woman to receive the Dimbleby Award for factual presentation and in 1991 she received an OBE for her broadcasting work. In 2006 Esther received a CBE from the Queen for her services to young people.
She also works for other charities and she is president for the Association for Young People with ME. Esther Rantzen is a powerful woman, who has used her talents to make a difference to children and young people’s lives. She has left her mark!
Picture from BBC website.
