A WARRINGTON company has paid a heartfelt tribute to a broadcaster and campaigner following her death.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who was a long standing advocate for older people across the UK, sadly died on Wednesday.
The 86-year-old was an ambassador and advisory board member for Alertacall, a Warrington-based company that uses technology and human contact to help housing providers engage with older residents.
"I first met Esther in London about 12 years ago, when we were both speaking at an event focused on making a difference for older people," said James Batchelor MBE, founder and CEO of Alertacall.
"She was passionately talking about her new charity, The Silver Line Helpline for older people, and I was talking about my own invention and the need for more innovation.
"Ever since then, and even during her serious illness, Esther would go out of her way to give us advice and support."
Dame Esther was best known for presenting the BBC series That's Life and for founding the charities Childline and The Silver Line, which provide support for children and older people respectively.
"It was an honour to welcome her as a member of our advisory board in 2022 and for me to sit alongside her in my role as a trustee of The Silver Line," said Mr Batchelor.
"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."
"The world has lost a massive force for good in Esther. She was unique.
"However, she has also left an enduring legacy in the form of Childline and The Silver Line, which I’m sure will keep supporting 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."
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