Slade’s Noddy Holder 'bombshell' five-year cancer battle, wife reveals

Virgin Radio

19 Oct 2023, 16:24

Noddy Holder, lead singer of Slade, has been in a five year battle with oesophageal cancer.

Noddy Holder, the iconic lead singer of the British rock band Slade, has been fighting oesophageal cancer for five years, as revealed by his wife, Suzan Holder.

In a column for Great British Life magazine, she shared the heartbreaking news that they were initially told he had just six months to live when he was first diagnosed.

Suzan Holder described the diagnosis as a "total bombshell" and highlighted how they coped by sticking together, hunkering down, and focusing on survival.

They chose to share this devastating news with only immediate close family and friends.

She expressed deep gratitude to those who supported them through this challenging journey, noting that such experiences reveal who one's real friends are.

In her own words, she said: “We coped with it the only way we could, by hunkering down, sticking together and doing everything we could to survive it.

“We told only immediate close family and friends and I will never apologise to those we did not confide in, only to those who were forced to suffer pain and anguish alongside us as we attempted to navigate our way through this new and horrifying world. They held our hands and kept our confidence. We truly found out who our real friends are.”

In the face of this bleak prognosis, Noddy Holder demonstrated tremendous courage and a positive attitude.

He underwent a gruelling course of experimental treatments as part of a brand-new trial of intense chemotherapy, which he responded well to.

Although the medical experts typically avoid using the word 'cure' when discussing cancer, Holder is now feeling good and looking great five years after the initial diagnosis.

Suzan Holder attributes much of Noddy's recovery to his unwavering positive mental attitude and ability to live in the moment.

She stated that his mental strength played a significant role in overcoming the disease.

This summer, Noddy Holder made a triumphant return to the stage alongside Tom Seals, an event that his wife thought she might never witness again.

It's an inspiring story of resilience and the power of a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

The iconic frontman is best known for Slade's numerous hits, including Merry Xmas Everybody, and his recovery from this challenging battle is sure to bring hope and inspiration to many, especially with the holidays approaching.