Katherine Jenkins has penned a heartfelt tribute to her friend Polly Noble, who passed away from cancer in 2014. The opera singer said she continues to tell her daughter Aaliyah about her "Aunty Polly" in an emotional message to mark the anniversary of her friend's death.
Sharing an old photo of herself and Polly together, Katherine wrote: "My darling friend, how has 2 years passed so quickly since you left us all behind? You will never be far from my mind – I hear a song & I think of you. I make my daily smoothie, I think of you! Good/ bad things happen – I want to talk about it with you.
Katherine Jenkins has paid tribute to her late friend Polly
"I tell Aaliyah stories about Aunty Polly and I wish she could have known you. Time passes but a friendship never ends. I miss you & love you with all my heart xx @pollynoble."
Polly was Katherine's best friend, who she first met back in 2001 when they were both struggling singers. Four years later Polly was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and had to break the news over the phone to Katherine, who was on tour at the time. "She didn't look or sound ill - it was just unbelievable," Katherine told You Magazine in 2013.
Polly passed away in 2014 following a long battle with cancer
Polly endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for three years lived cancer-free. But, in 2010 she found a lump in her neck, which was revealed to be a secondary tumour. "This time her oncologist told her that although she could have more treatment, the cancer was ultimately incurable." Katherine said. "She called me from the hospital with the news. Neither of us cried. We were too stunned."
The health blogger had remained positive throughout her illness, much to the amazement of Katherine, who said: "Polly has turned her own experiences into an incredibly positive force."