Linda Nolan, who earlier this year lost her sister Bernie Nolan to breast cancer, has spoken out about her and her family's battle with cancer.The singer and actress recalled how life had changed since Bernie's death, and opened up about her own diagnosis from 2005."Bernie was so amazing," said Linda, speaking to presenter Lorraine Kelly on her show Lorraine."She was so strong and right up until the end she was just, 'What are we going to do next weekend?' It's an absolute nightmare and our lives will never be the same without her."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Nolans star explained how her and her family gathered around Bernie until the end. "We're a family and families have their feuds," said Linda. "But of course when something is wrong with somebody that you love, everything else pales into insignificance. "We were all there at the end and we sang to her. When the time came, her husband Steve and daughter Erin were holding her and we were just telling her that we loved her. "Linda, who was speaking at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month, has been affected by cancer over the years. Her eldest sister Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and Linda was later diagnosed in 2005. Linda's husband Brian Hudson was also taken ill with cancer and died in 2007.
© Photo: ITVAfter finding a lump, the 54-year-old singer said she had put off going to the doctors but was persuaded by her sister Coleen to pay a visit. "I made the mistake of mentioning it to Coleen and she just badgered me," said Linda. "She said 'I'm going to tell the girls, the family, my brothers,' so I made an appointment and I was actually diagnosed in between shows. "The television personality has encouraged women in the UK to take part in Lorraine's new campaign, 'Bin Your Bra', which involves giving old bras to charity. Fronted by pop singer Michelle Heaton, the campaign has had a wealth of support from other celebrities, including Sharon Osbourne and Dawn O'Porter. "It's amazing — I have loads of bras at home and I don't know why you keep them," said Linda, before handing over an item to Lorraine. "This is my post-surgery bra, so this is me saying goodbye to cancer."
