Stars and family honour Irish singer Linda Nolan at heartfelt funeral

1 year ago 407

Singer Linda Nolan received a touching farewell as she was taken to her final resting place in a pink sparkly coffin, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.

As the hearse arrived at St Paul's Church in Blackpool carrying the coffin, onlookers showed their respects with applause.

Linda's sisters—Anne, Maureen, Coleen, and Denise—were seen uniting in grief as they walked towards the church with other family memebers.

Coleen Nolan was visibly emotional, pausing to wipe away a tear.

Coleen Nolan arrives at St. Paul's Church in Blackpool for the funeral of Linda Nolan

The family wore black but some had pink ribbons pinned to their outfits or carried pink handbags to honour Linda's vibrant spirit.

They lined the path as the coffin, topped with a floral arrangement, was carried into the church as Faith Hill song There You'll Be was played.

During a moving eulogy, her sister Denise Nolan-Anderson said: "She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and makeup done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion," reports the Irish Mirror.

"She would have loved all the fuss today."

EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who was previously married to Coleen, and comedian Tommy Cannon, singer Lisa Maffia and Paul Elliott, the comedian better known as Paul Chuckle, were among those in attendance.

Elliott shared warm recollections of Linda, describing her as an effervescent presence.

He said: "She was just a fun, bubbly person. The world's a darker place without her."

He fondly remembered working with Linda on pantomime stages and charity events, and mentioned their last meeting over lunch in 2024,.

Charlotte Dawson, daughter of comedian Les Dawson, Lee Brennan from boyband 911 and Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger were also among the mourners.

A framed picture of Linda was displayed outside the church, where mourners could sign a condolence book.

As a member of the pop group The Nolans, Linda and her sisters Coleen, Bernie, Maureen, Anne, and Denise achieved success with hits like Gotta Pull Myself Together and I'm In The Mood For Dancing in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The coffin at St. Paul's Church in Blackpool for the funeral of Linda Nolan

Dublin-born Linda died last month, with a family statement saying: "At around 10.20am on Wednesday 15th January, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65."

Linda made Blackpool her home and was married to her late husband Brian Hudson for over 20 years in the same church where her funeral was held.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, resulting in a mastectomy, Linda became a dedicated campaigner and fundraiser for cancer awareness.

She was given the all-clear in 2011 but in 2017 was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which spread to her liver in 2020 and to her brain in 2023.

An order of service at St. Paul's Church in Blackpool for the funeral of Linda Nolan

Through her efforts, Linda helped raise over £20 million for charities such as Breast Cancer Now, the Irish Cancer Society, and Samaritans.

The family are fundraising for Trinity Hospice, a cause close to Nolan's heart. They've requested that donations and messages of condolence be directed to a memorial page set up in her honour.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Source: www.belfastlive.co.uk
Read Entire Article Source

To remove this article - Removal Request