‘if you lose hope, you lose everything’

Currently battling cancer for the fourth time, Linda Nolan is nothing short of inspirational. Despite the challenges that life has thrown at her, including losing her husband of 26 years, Brian, in 2007, she remains a powerhouse of positivity, which shines through when we sit down to chat with her.

Here, Linda, 65, exclusively reveals the results of her latest scan to Woman, as well as opening up about dating again, future hopes and sister Coleen’s recent health scare.

Hi Linda, how are you doing?

I had great news a couple of weeks ago – the results of my scans were amazing. The cancer from my liver has practically gone and the tumours in my brain have shrunk. It was fabulous, especially because it was the day before my birthday, so it was the best present.

That’s amazing! This must give you so much hope…

My whole thing has always been to keep hopeful. You can’t take people’s hope away, because after that you’ve got nothing left. But this time I was convinced it was going to be bad news because I’d had another fall, which I haven’t had for ages. I think I just wound myself up so much, thinking it was going to be bad, but it’s important not to think like that.

I think a lot of doctors feel that quite a big percentage of you fighting is not giving up. If you just lose hope you can deteriorate really quickly.

How was your 65th birthday?

Birthdays are massive in our family. We love celebrating and surprising each other. In the evening I tried calling Coleen a few times and it was engaged, then she called me back and I asked, ‘When is your next tour date?’ and she walked round the corner in the lounge and said, ‘Well not today!’ I was absolutely thrilled. We had a few drinks and Denise got the karaoke out. Everyone stayed until two in the morning!

What are your hopes for the future?

Maureen’s son Danny and his wife are expecting another baby, so I hope I get to meet them. I’d love to visit them in America. Physically I can make the journey, but the ticket prices are so high and I probably wouldn’t get insured. Other than that I don’t have a bucket list, it’s just family time – that I will miss. I’m realistic, I know I’m going to miss weddings or the younger ones having their own babies. I hope I will see some of them.

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