Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter reveals mum's sad thoughts on death

Dame Esther Rantzen's daughter Rebecca Wilcox appeared live on BBC Breakfast on Saturday (June 21) as she discussed the latest updates regarding the assisted dying bill.

Rebecca and her mother, who has terminal cancer, have long been campaigning for the assisted dying bill to come into action in England. The bill will see some terminally ill people in England and Wales able to get medical help in ending their lives.

It seemed they were one step closer to achieving their goal on Saturday, as MPs had voted to pass the bill at a third reading, meaning it will next go to the Lords.

Following the news, Rebecca spoke to BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt via video call, tuning in from her home in Woking.

While speaking about the bill, Rebecca also shared an insight into Esther's thoughts on death and emotionally discussed the propsect of losing her mother.

"I don't want my memories of mum to be replaced by a traumatic death. I don't want that," Rebecca stated. "She believes that is what we refer to as a burden. She believes that the burden of an awful death is a huge burden to tolerate.

"And, nobody wants that, none of us want that. Anybody that's witnessed a loved one dying in pain and agony will absolutely support this bill, because how can you not?"

Predictions suggest the assisted dying bill may not come into action until 2020, with Rebeca acknowledging that while the bill may not be "relevant" to her and Esther when it's actioned, it will still be "so wonderful" for many.

"So, 2029 will be wonderful for so many people. But, I'm not sure it'll be relevant to us," she said, before beginning to become tearful.

"I think, we will have already experienced a loss beyond measure. Oh gosh, sorry, mum will be cross, I shouldn't cry," Rebecca sadly added.

Elsewhere, Rebecca reflected on campaigning for the bill to be put in place, branding the journey "hugely personal".

"This has been hugely personal and hugely profound because of the stories that everyone has come to us with. We have been so privileged to be receptacle of their stories, of their hopes, of their wishes for the future," she said.

"We're so grateful that they've spoken to us. So many of them, their loved one has already died an awful death."

BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One