Another tragedy has struck the Nolan family, known for their long-standing battle with cancer, as Linda Nolan's stepson, Lloyd Hudson, has died from metastatic throat cancer. This heartbreaking news comes just four months after Linda herself passed away on January 15, 2025, following a courageous fight against cancer that included complications from double pneumonia.
Lloyd Hudson, the son of Linda's late husband Brian Hudson, was diagnosed with throat cancer in September 2023. Tragically, the tumor was deemed inoperable due to its size and proximity to his vocal cords, leading to a treatment plan that included intensive radiotherapy. During this time, Linda was also undergoing immunotherapy for her own cancer, which had spread to her brain.
A family friend shared with The Mirror, "They were fighting side by side. Linda would finish her treatment and text him to check in. They joked about their meds, shared their side effects, cried together too. Linda really thought he’d outlive her. She needed that belief." This poignant connection highlights the deep bond between Linda and Lloyd as they navigated their health struggles together.
The Nolan family has experienced a series of devastating losses to cancer over the years. Lloyd's father, Brian Hudson, who was married to Linda for 26 years, also succumbed to cancer in 2007. The family’s ordeal continued when Brian Nolan, Linda's brother, revealed in March 2025 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, just three days after Linda's funeral. At 69, he expressed his frustrations, stating, "I just want cancer to leave us alone."
The family's cancer history is extensive. Bernie Nolan, another sister, tragically passed away from breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52. Anne Nolan, 74, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and has since faced another diagnosis in 2020, but she is currently in remission. Coleen Nolan, 60, also announced in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Linda's cancer journey began in 2005 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. After a year of treatment, she went into remission, but in 2017, she faced a devastating setback when secondary cancer was discovered in her hip. This cancer later spread to her liver in 2020 and then to her brain in 2023, leading to her untimely death.
As the family grapples with these losses, they have also sought answers regarding their genetic predisposition to cancer. In an emotional episode of Piers Morgan's Life Stories, Coleen expressed the feeling of a "curse" that seemed to haunt their family, saying, "You almost feel like it's a curse that's been on you but it's not. So many families go through this."
Despite testing negative for the BRCA gene mutation, the sisters have been advised that there may be an undiscovered genetic factor contributing to their high cancer rates. Linda, Anne, and Bernie all underwent testing, with Linda stating, "It's weird because the doctor said it's not just bad luck that three sisters have got breast cancer. There's something not right there, so for the other girls, it's very scary."
Dr. Terri McVeigh, a consultant clinical geneticist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, explained that while many families have a history of cancer, not all cases are linked to inherited genetic mutations. She noted that some genetic alterations are difficult to identify with current testing technologies, which can leave families seeking answers.
In her explanations, Dr. McVeigh emphasized that certain individuals might inherit genes that increase their cancer risk, particularly if there is a family history of specific cancers. "Genes are tiny chunks of the DNA genetic code that we inherit from each of our parents," she explained. "Some of these genes work to protect against the development of cancer - called tumour suppressors. Certain individuals are born with an inherited risk of cancer because of an inherited alteration in one of these genes."
In light of the Nolan family's struggles, Cancer Research UK has highlighted that only about 5-10% of cancer cases are linked to inherited faulty genes. They encourage individuals with a strong family history of cancer to consult with their GP for possible genetic assessments.
As the Nolan family continues to face the aftermath of these tragedies, they remain a poignant reminder of the impact of cancer not just on individuals but on entire families. The emotional toll is profound, and their story resonates with many who have faced similar battles.
For those affected by cancer, support is available. Organizations like Macmillan provide resources and assistance for individuals navigating the complexities of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their support line is open for anyone seeking guidance, reflecting the need for community in the face of such challenges.
The Nolan family's journey through cancer is a stark reminder of the disease's pervasive impact, and their story continues to unfold as they seek to understand the genetic factors at play while coping with their immense loss.
