Kendal tech founder pays tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen after her death

The founder of Kendal-based technology company Alertacall has paid tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen after the broadcaster and campaigner died on Wednesday, September 30.

James Batchelor MBE, Alertacall’s founder and chief executive, said Dame Esther had played a significant role in the company’s work. Alertacall uses technology to help keep older people connected.

Dame Esther was an ambassador and advisory board member for the Kendal company. She was also a well-known television presenter, having hosted the BBC series That’s Life, and founded Childline and The Silver Line, a 24-hour telephone support service for older people.

A meeting that led to a lasting connection

Mr Batchelor said he first met Dame Esther in London about 12 years ago, when they were both speaking at an event about making a difference for older people.

At the time, Dame Esther was discussing her new charity, The Silver Line Helpline, while Mr Batchelor was speaking about his invention and the need for greater innovation. He said she quickly became interested in Alertacall and questioned him closely about how the company worked.

The company subsequently invited her to the Lake District, where Mr Batchelor said they “really hit it off”. She later became an advisory board member in 2022.

“Ever since then, and even during her serious illness, Esther would go out of her way to give us advice and support.”

Mr Batchelor, who is also a trustee of The Silver Line, said it had been an honour to work alongside her.

Support for older and vulnerable people

In his tribute, Mr Batchelor linked Alertacall’s work with Dame Esther’s focus on reducing loneliness and supporting people in later life. He said technology could help communication, but that regular, friendly contact from people who genuinely cared made the greatest difference.

He said Dame Esther had helped Alertacall deliver a combination of human contact and digital technology to tens of thousands of older people across the UK each day.

“The world has lost a massive force for good in Esther. She was unique.”

Mr Batchelor also highlighted Dame Esther’s continuing legacy through Childline and The Silver Line, saying both charities would continue supporting people in need for generations.

He added that Alertacall would continue trying to honour her by helping older and vulnerable people, whom she had cared for deeply.