I've decided not to keep this a secret because I'd rather you heard the facts from me'

Star draws up battle plan

- Giles Sheldrick

VETERAN campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen faces the fight of her life after revealing she has lung cancer.

The tireless activist, whose lifelong dedication to championing the underdog has made her a national treasure, is “optimistic” about beating the disease, which has spread.

She confirmed the news yesterday after a recent diagnosis.

Dame Esther, 82, said: “At the moment I am undergoing various tests to assess the best treatment.

“I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise and because I would rather you heard the facts from me.

“While I am awaiting the results of the tests I am unable to answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic.”

Dame Esther is known to millions as the presenter of TV’s That’s Life! – which ran for 21 years and drew audiences of 18 million – and as the energetic campaigner who set up ChildLine in 1986 and The Silver Line for lonely pensioners in 2013.

She has three children, Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua from her marriage to the late Desmond Wilcox, and five grandchildren Benji, nine, Xander and Teddy, seven, Florence and Romilly, four.

Amazing

Dame Esther spoke to the Daily Express yesterday as she hunkered down to formulate a battle plan, surrounded by family and friends, and was her trademark ebullient self.

She said she was determined to enjoy her weekend in the company of those she loves most.