Slade frontman Noddy Holder was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer five years ago and told he "only had six months to live", his wife Suzan has revealed.
The 77-year-old musician fronted the glam rock band, known for singles Merry Xmas Everybody and Cum on Feel the Noize, until he left in 1992.
Writing in Cheshire Life magazine, Suzan Holder discussed the star's cancer prognosis and how he coped "with amazing good humour and breath-taking bravery".
She wrote: "Five years ago we were given the devastating news that he had oesophageal cancer and only had 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 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."
Source: Press Association
