Linda Nolan says 'I didn't think I'd make Christmas' in heartbreaking cancer update

Linda Nolan has revealed that this year's festive season will hold extra significance as she wasn't certain she would "make Christmas". Linda, who is also a columnist, with the Mirror, has opened up about her battles with cancer which is in her brain and bones.

Despite fighting the disease on and off for nearly 20 years, Linda credits her positivity to staying active, reports the Mirror. She told Woman magazine: "I can't wait [for Christmas]. Not to be morbid, but I didn't think I'd make Christmas, so it's a real bonus.

"We love Christmas as a family and we're all going to gather at [sister] Denise's. It will be great. We all have such a good time when we get together so I can't wait. I especially love seeing all the little ones and how excited they get.She added: " She continued: "My Christmas wish is that I'll be here to see everybody next year as well."

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Linda also provided an update on her health following several recent falls. She explained: "I'm having chemo once every three week. I have my bloods taken after each time and if they're OK, I have the next round. You have to be careful with chemo. I've lost my hair again - I'm bald for the fifth time and it still gets to me each time."

"I'm distraught when it goes. Pain-wise I get a cramp in my leg which really hurts, but apart from that there's no pain, which is good."

When asked about her unwavering positivity, Linda responded: "I've been fighting this since 2005 and I always put up a fight – you can't not. When I was 60 I had a big party, and I said, 'Well, hopefully I'll be here next year.' And here I am, I'll be 66 in February. I think if you lose hope, you lose everything."

Linda emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity: "It's hard sometimes, but you've gotta have the stamina to go, 'Yeah, I'm not going to lie in bed feeling sorry for myself.' Keeping busy is important as is getting outside. Even if it is sitting outside in your garden in this cold weather getting some fresh air always makes you feel better."

In her Mirror column, Linda also revealed that a recent fall had made her come to terms with the fact that she could no longer live alone and would be staying with her sister. She said: "It forced me to finally accept I couldn't return home. Home for me is officially five doors up from Denise and Tom's. I only ever meant to stay here temporarily after my last diagnosis but I've remained for 18 months (God help them)."

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