Yesterday we were deeply saddened of the news of the passing of our Patron, Dame Esther Rantzen.

Esther became Patron of erosh in 2013, but her connection to our work went far beyond lending her name to our organisation. She shared a profound belief in the importance of ensuring that older people are seen, heard, valued and supported to live well.

Her commitment to older people was deeply personal. Through The Silver Line, which she founded in the same year she became our Patron, Esther brought national attention to something that can so easily remain hidden: the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation in later life. She spoke openly about her own experience of loneliness and, in doing so, helped countless others speak about theirs.

For erosh, it was a privilege to have the support of someone who understood so instinctively why good housing and support for older people matters. Esther once described the work of erosh and its members as “incredibly vital” in ensuring the housing and support needs of older people are met. Those words mean even more to us today.

Throughout her extraordinary life, Esther used her voice for people whose voices were too often unheard. She challenged indifference, started conversations others were reluctant to have and turned compassion into action. Childline and The Silver Line are an extraordinary part of that legacy, but so too are the many people and organisations she encouraged to keep pushing for better.

Today, our thoughts are first and foremost with Esther’s children, grandchildren, family and friends as they mourn someone they loved.

We also remember her with enormous gratitude.

It has been an honour to call Dame Esther Rantzen our Patron. Her belief in the value, dignity and wellbeing of older people will remain very close to the heart of erosh and the work of our members.

Thank you, Esther. You will be greatly missed.