Esther gig to honour big-hearted star’s £2million Childline gift
DAME Esther Rantzen is planning a star-studded tribute to George Michael to thank him for secretly donating more than £2million to her charity Childline. Rantzen, 76, wants to stage a benefit concert next year to celebrate the singer’s life and mark the children’s charity’s 30th anniversary.
George donated royalties from hit Jesus To A Child, which he wrote as he grieved for his lover
Anselmo Feleppa, who died of Aids, on the condition it was kept secret.
Rantzen said: “George helped us to reach out to hundreds of thousands of children through his generosity. He approached us, rather than us going cap in hand to him, but it was an intensely personal gift.
“He didn’t want it to be known or to be part of his image. I think it would be wonderful to celebrate him with a tribute concert next year.” She added: “We were able to counsel 300,000 children who needed help last year, through emails, online and phone calls, and George made a palpable difference.”
Rantzen believes George – who gave millions to good causes and the needy over the years – may have been attracted to Childline because of his own personal problems.
She said: “There was a sense of personal interest.
“He kept his sexuality quiet and it may have been tough for him when he was younger.”