Slade star Noddy Holder has revealed he has been battling throat cancer for five years and was given six months to live when he was first diagnosed.
His wife Suzan, 57, detailed Noddy’s secret health struggles in an emotional piece written for Thursday Great British life.
Noddy, 77, underwent another trial of chemotherapy which has kept him alive.
Suzan wrote: ‘Five years ago we received the devastating news that he had esophageal cancer and only six months to live.
“I’m sorry if that comes as a bit of a shock; it came as a total bombshell to us too. We dealt with it the only way we could: by limiting ourselves, sticking together and doing everything we could to survive.
Sad news: Slade’s Noddy Holder, 77, has revealed his secret five-year battle with throat cancer as his wife Suzan said he was given six months to live when he was first diagnosed
Suzan wrote: ‘Five years ago we received the devastating news that he had esophageal cancer and only six months to live. ‘I’m sorry if that’s a bit of a shock’ (pictured together in 2003)
Iconic: Noddy is best known for the hit band’s hit Merry Xmas Everyone, pictured in 1972
“We have only told immediate close family and friends and I will never apologize to those we did not confide in, only to those who were forced to suffer pain and fear alongside us as we tried to find our way through this new and horrible world.’
Suzan married Noddy in 2004 and said the Merry Xmas Everyone singer has managed to maintain a positive outlook despite his health problems.
He was treated at Christie Hospital in Manchester and underwent a groundbreaking new form of chemotherapy that has kept him alive.
Suzan wrote: ‘There were no guarantees, no one knew if it would have any effect, let alone work miracles, but he responded well. As anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer knows, the experts never like to use the word “cure,” but here we are five years later and he is feeling and looking great.
Noddy is in good form and was able to perform on stage this summer after being invited on stage by Cheshire musician Tom Seals.
Slade earned six UK number one singles during their 25-year career.
Their last number one song, Merry Xmas Everyone, is their biggest hit and is said to earn £500,000 annually in royalties alone.
Close friends: Noddy pictured (bottom centre) with the rest of Slade, (photo in 1975)
