OHMYGOSSIP — Dame Esther Rantzen fears her cancer was caused by asbestos in BBC buildings.
The 83-year-old presenter is battling stage 4 lung cancer and she admitted she often wonders if she contracted the disease after breathing in toxic fibres used in building the Lime Grove studios in London, where her show ‘That’s Life’ was based for several years.
She told Yours magazine: “I’m making the most of each day, usually by sitting in my garden… enjoying the fresh air, the birds and the summer flowers.
“And occasionally wondering whether my particular brand of lung cancer was caused by all the asbestos in the BBC building I worked in for decades – or by the air pollution I walked and drove through during my many years as a Londoner. But in my 80s, I knew I had to die of something.”
Esther admitted her cancer diagnosis has made her look back on her life and she’s thankful to have had so many “amazing” people around her.
She added: “This diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.
“First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them. My friends have been amazing and have created memories which sustain me and give me strength.”
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the BBC has reportedly paid out £1.64 million in damages to 11 families of former staff who died of cancer after working in 18 of its asbestos-riddled buildings, including Lime Grove – which was demolished in 1993 – and Television Centre.
The BBC said: “The health and safety of BBC staff and all who use BBC buildings is a primary concern and the BBC manages asbestos in accordance with all regulations and statutory requirements.”
Source: VacationHunter.Online