Dame Esther Rantzen Tribute

Alertacall would like to pay tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen, who passed away on Wednesday, 30th September, 2026.

For well over a decade, Dame Esther has been a huge source of support for Alertacall, as a business patron and then a member of our advisory board. 

Dame Esther first came to visit us at our offices in the Lake District 12 years ago to find out more about the work we do. 

As the founder of The Silver Line 24-hour telephone helpline for older people, Dame Esther shared our passion for looking after an increasingly ageing and vulnerable population.

She soon became a keen supporter of Alertacall, offering valuable guidance on how to provide services to meet the needs of older people in the UK and assisting us in marketing campaigns.

We were honoured when she joined our advisory board in 2022, offering invaluable insights and experience to help guide and improve our work.

“Ever since her first visit to see the work we do in the Lake District, Esther’s enthusiasm and drive to help older and vulnerable people have been a source of inspiration for us as a company and for me personally,” said Alertacall founder and CEO James Batchelor MBE. 

“I would have regular meetings with Esther, both to discuss Alertacall and in my role as a trustee of The Silver Line. This was always a pleasure, and she would never fail to give me a fresh perspective, new ideas and a renewed drive.

“Even during her serious illness, Esther would go out of her way to offer advice and support, simply because she knew that Alertacall is a business that genuinely has the wellbeing of older people right at its heart.

“Like us, Esther knew that although technology can help facilitate communication, it is regular, friendly contact with people who genuinely care which makes the most difference in improving lives. She played a really important role in helping us deliver this blend of human contact via digital technology to tens of thousands of older people across the UK every day.

“Esther’s influence was enormous, and her passing will leave just as big a gap in the lives of so many, myself and Alertacall included. However, she has also left an enduring legacy in the form of Childline and The Silver Line, which I’m sure will continue helping people in need for many generations to come.

“We will miss Esther so much, but we’ll continue to try and do her proud by helping the older and vulnerable people she cared for so deeply. Goodbye, Esther, thanks for everything; you were one of the very best and every single minute with you was an honour.”