Linda Nolan, the beloved singer and member of The Nolans, continues to face the challenges of incurable cancer with remarkable resilience and humor. The 65-year-old has been battling the disease since her initial breast cancer diagnosis back in 2006. Despite facing additional struggles, including falls and medical emergencies, she relies on her supportive family to help her through the tough times.
Recently, Nolan revealed to the Mirror her experience of knocking out some of her teeth during one of her falls. “So I managed to knock some of my teeth out a few weeks back. It was just before Halloween and I’d had another fall. Anyway, these children came to Denise’s door, trick or treating, and I’m there, bald as anything, no teeth – and these poor little girls ran away screaming. I couldn’t stop laughing. I love Halloween and they actually thought I was a witch. A real one!” she recounted joyfully.
Linda has been living with her sister Denise and her husband Tom, after experiencing several falls this year, with one incident described quite vividly. “My legs just gave way from under me,” she shared, expressing her frustration over her circumstances. Despite these challenges, she maintains her trademark positivity. “I try to stay positive. I’ll use jokes and humour as a way to cope,” Linda stated, emphasizing the importance of finding joy even amid struggles.
While Linda reflects on her health with humor, the reality is sobering. After once believing she’d not see her 60th birthday, she now harbors gratitude. “My hope for this year? To not die, obviously. I just want to be here with my family,” she said, expressing her desire to cherish every moment.
The support from her family remains invaluable. Having climbed to fame with The Nolans over five decades ago, selling 30 million records, Linda has perpetually remained close to her sisters and brothers. She has lost both her husband, Brian, to liver cancer, and sister Bernie to the same disease, but insists family ties have only strengthened.
“I’ve got an amazing family and great friends, some I’ve known since primary school, and I try to get out to walk with them at least twice a week, which is key in keeping me active and staying positive. It gets the endorphins flowing,” she explained, showcasing her determination to remain fit and connected to loved ones.
With Christmas approaching, the season carries mixed emotions for Linda. It brings with it joy but also the weight of reflection on lost family members due to cancer. Still, she holds on to festive traditions, recognizing the significance of family gatherings. “There’s about 20 of us coming over, and we’ll raise a glass for Bernie, my Aunty Theresa, and our mum and dad,” she revealed, highlighting how they continue to honor their memories together.
Linda plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve with her family, sharing excitement about the big party organized by her sister Coleen. “There’s a big New Year’s Eve party at Coleen’s. She’s booked us all onto a hotel up the road, so it should be great fun,” she expressed, underlining her enthusiasm for times spent with family.
Nevertheless, she admits to having difficult days where despair creeps in. “Of course, it’s scary. And I have my days where I’m terribly down,” Linda recognizes, demonstrating her vulnerability amid her courageous facade. Yet, through the shadows of anxiety and fear of what lies ahead, she focuses on living fully, refusing to contemplate the end.
“When people start talking about ‘putting things in order’ – I don’t want to talk about it,” she sighs, driving home her reluctance to confront mortality just yet. Instead, each year, every birthday, and every holiday is treated as both blessing and hope, “I want to make it to the next one. I have to be like this; I can’t be a grey cloud of doom.”
With optimism at the forefront, Linda navigates her health treatments, which currently include the drug Enhertu—a groundbreaking therapy available on the NHS with limited eligibility, advocating for broader access for all patients who qualify. Her attitude radiates strength, as she wishes to keep enjoying life. “I thought my 60th birthday would be my last, but I’m still here five years later,” Linda declared firmly. “It’s easy to sit back and get depressed about it, but I’m still going.”
Despite the encroaching reality of her illness, Linda Nolan exemplifies strength, laughter, and love. She understands the importance of togetherness, especially now, as her family helps her navigate through this tumultuous chapter. The season of joy, parties, and family remains on the horizon, illuminating her spirit through the darkness, as she adamantly aims to “keep breathing and see another one.”
