Geri Halliwell pays tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 19:55 · Archive
Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has paid an emotional tribute following the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, aged 86.
Geri Halliwell has paid an emotional tribute following the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster and campaigner who founded Childline. Rantzen died aged 86 after a cancer diagnosis. Halliwell, who lives near Banbury in Oxfordshire and is an ambassador for Childline, spoke at an event in London on Wednesday celebrating the charity's four decades, a week after Rantzen's death.
Dame Esther spent 21 years fronting the BBC consumer affairs show That's Life! She founded Childline after a temporary helpline opened for viewers affected by a programme about a toddler who had starved to death was overwhelmed with calls. The calls mainly came from children suffering sexual abuse they had never disclosed to anyone else, prompting Rantzen's idea for a specific 24/7 helpline for children throughout the year.
Addressing guests at the event ahead of Childline's official 40th anniversary on 30 October, Halliwell said: 'Of course, there's no way to discuss the incredible work of Childline without mentioning the inspirational Dame Esther Rantzen, who worked tirelessly to found Childline 40 years ago.' Halliwell added that Rantzen 'would want us to honour her work' by ensuring it carries on. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Rantzen 'changed countless lives and gave a voice to people who often went unheard'.
How it is being reported
- Spice Girl pays emotional tribute after death of British iconSpice Girl Geri Halliwell has paid an emotional tribute following the death of a British icon.Oxfordshire Guardian · 8 Oct, 19:30
- Spice Girl pays emotional tribute after death of British iconSpice Girl Geri Halliwell has paid an emotional tribute following the death of a British icon.Oxford Mail · 8 Oct, 19:30
In this story: Geri Halliwell · Dame Esther Rantzen · Childline · George Michael · Andy Burnham · Oxford University · BBC
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