DAME ESTHER'S JOY OVER 'PRECIOUS PRESENT OF LIFE

DAME Esther Rantzen has revealed new drugs are "holding back" her cancer so she can enjoy the unexpected "precious present" of a family Christmas.

-  Giles Sheldrick

The TV legend and campaigner feared she would not live long enough to celebrate this year's festivities after being diagnosed with stage four cancer last January. But the indefatigable 83-year-old said while she accepts the targeted treatments cannot cure her of the disease, they have given her treasured time with her family and friends she never thought possible.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Dame Esther said: "This is the Christmas I thought I wouldn't see because last January I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

"Since then I've been taking one of the new targeted drugs. I know it cannot cure the cancer, but it can hold it back and slow it down a bit. So I'm looking forward to spending this Christmas with my family again, an extra precious present I didn't expect." To millions, the national treasure is fondly remembered as the presenter of BBC show That's Life!, which ran for 21 years and drew audiences of 18 million.

She became renowned as a tireless champion for the vulnerable and ill-treated.

In a groundbreaking move, she set up ChildLine in 1986. Then, exactly a decade ago today, she founded The Silver Line, Britain's only 24-hour-a-day helpline for lonely and isolated pensioners.

With the selflessness that has become her trademark, Dame Esther said she continues to worry more about those less fortunate than her.

But this year, her cancer fight and the effects of her ongoing treatment mean she will not be able to participate with the helpline as she always has.

She said: "To my frustration, as with so many cancer patients, I find one debilitating side effect of the illness is fatigue. So, very sadly, I will not be able to speak to The Silver Line callers this year as usual, although of course I will be thinking of them.

Courage