Remembering Dame Esther Rantzen
We are saddened to hear of the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, a long-standing friend and supporter of Minstead Trust.
Esther had a strong connection to Furzey Gardens and to our work supporting neuro disabled people to live life their way. She gave her time generously, supporting fundraising campaigns and events, helping us raise awareness and taking a genuine interest in the people at the heart of Minstead Trust.
Adam Dodd, CEO of Minstead Trust, said: ‘Dame Esther was a great supporter of ours and Furzey Gardens in particular, which she described as ‘the best kept secret in the New Forest’.
‘We were honoured to host her 80th birthday celebration in the gardens a few years ago, which was a really special day in amongst the difficult pandemic years.
‘Dame Esther brought her incredible professionalism and experience to bear for us in so many ways. She was a master of knowing how people respond to calls to support a charity and she was very generous to us with her time.
‘A true mark of her as a person was how she insisted on the people we support being at the front and centre of photos she was involved in. She was selfless, committed and passionate – we will miss her.’
We are grateful for the support Esther gave to Minstead Trust, and for the warmth and genuine interest she showed in the people who make our organisation what it is.
