Surrounded by her adoring family, Britain's most doughty campaigner terminally ill with lung cancer - will give thanks for the miracle drug keeping her alive. Dame Esther said: "This birthday will feel extra, extra special thanks to wonderful medical help."
She will celebrate with children Rebecca, Joshua and Miriam, plus grandchildren Benji, nine, Xander and Teddy, seven, and four-year-olds Florence and Romilly.
There will be no fuss or surprises at her New Forest home - but lashings of chocolate cake. The low-key gathering is typical of the That's Life! presenter who never thought such a happy reunion would happen again.
She said: "I certainly never expected to see this birthday - it's a tribute to the new cancer treatments which seem to be holding it back. So I am taking each day as an extra treat and trying to make the most of every moment." Despite receiving expert medical care, Dame Esther admits that she has fears just like every other cancer patient.
She explained: "Like everyone on these new cancer treatments I live from one scan to the next. We call it 'scanxiety' because we all know at some stage the treatment will fail and only a scan can tell us. But then we all have to die of something, don't we?"
The lifelong campaigner is resolute that she will enjoy the time she has left as best she can: "You haven't got all the energy in the world so you prioritise the things you really want and need to do.
"You've worked out what television programmes you most enjoy, which chair is the most comfortable and who makes you laugh. I am taking nothing for granted and trying to appreciate each new day."
Rebecca, 44, said: "Every day is a big moment for us - it's no longer our last Christmas, our last Mother's Day or our last Easter. The most important thing is to see each other as often as possible because life is finite, we are all very aware of that.
Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin June 22, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin June 22, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
JUVE PILE ON PAIN FOR PEP
Keeper blunders as City lose for seventh time in 10 games
Saka keeps Gunners on fast track for last 16
BUKAYO SHOWS WAY WITH DOUBLE
PEATY STILL TEMPTED BY ONE LAST HURRAH
Paris 'anger' could yet drive legend on to 2028
McCall targets early festive cheer in Paris
SARACENS director of rugby Mark McCall has challenged his side to get one over old boy Paul Gustard and go into Christmas on a Champions Cup high.
'Let us all respect Tom's family and their suffering'
Lawrence Dallaglio's sorrow over missing team-mate
Des's daughter tackles police misogyny after officer probing mugging asked her on a date
THE daughter of the late TV legend Des O'Connor is fighting to expose \"systemic misogyny\" in the Metropolitan Police after she reported being mugged and was asked on a date by the investigating detective.
'I believe a panic button would have saved Becky'
Mum's joy at boost from King
BBC probe uncovers new Gregg Wallace allegations
THE BBC claims to have uncovered \"a number of very interesting new allegations\" against Gregg Wallace after launching its own investigation.
Pensioners limit flushing to cut growing water bills
THOUSANDS of elderly people are limiting how often they flush the toilet, shower or use washing machines as they struggle to afford water bills, a report warns.
Jihadis 'should be 'stripped of their British citizenship'
JIHADIS who travelled to fight for Islamic State should be stripped of their British citizenships, Sir Keir Starmer has been told.
