Fans gathered in Blackpool today to bid her final farewells. Linda Nolan passed away last month at the age of 65, surrounded by her loving siblings.
The beloved star’s funeral service took place at St Paul’s Church, the same place where Linda exchanged vows with her “soulmate” husband, the late Brian Hudson, in the summer of 1981. Mourners then proceeded to the crematorium, in a day that celebrated Linda’s “extraordinary life”.
Blackpool, the town where the Dublin-born Nolan sisters first found fame and have lived for much of their lives, is said to have been Linda’s “spiritual home” Among those paying their respects to Linda today was Sharon Bull, 51, from Corby, who said Linda’s death had left her feeling as though she had “lost a friend”.
She said: “I met Linda at 16 in her dressing room, she was with her husband, Brian. That was 1989. I absolutely loved Linda. Her voice was amazing.
” I remember the first time I shook her hand, I was about nine, I said I’d never wash it. She frequently thanked me for her thoughtfulness when I sent her gifts over the years. I had a great fan, but now I feel like I’ve lost a friend.
She added:” I have been very upset. I’ve been devastated. She’s left me with such fond memories, loads of memories. She is an unforgettable person. “
James Morris, 59, from Blackpool, told a sweet story of how he met Linda when he was working at a train station, and she never forgot him.
When she fell badly at Preston Station, I helped her. Ever since I’ve always spoken to her when I saw her, “he said.
” I wanted to pay my respects. Even that day she got up and started laughing, she was brave. She endured both wars and the return with a smile. She said hello on that day and has since since been so sweet. I first saw her at Maggie Mays in 1986, and I immediately thought she was a star.
Beverley Higgerson, 68, from Blackburn, is a breast cancer survivor who has been left” inspired “by Linda’s legacy”. I went through breast cancer five years ago and I’m in remission, “she said.
Someone who endured it for twenty years merits respect. She handled it very well, she inspired me. I wanted to pay tribute to a 20-year veteran of that conflict.
Among those camped outside the church was Steve Buchanan, 62, from Salford. Recalling seeing Linda perform, he said:” My mam got me free tickets each year from her firm in Salford. I was 16 and I liked the music, I grew up with it. I always followed Linda’s story and she was brave. I take my hat off to her. “
The Nolans are also raising money for their local Trinity House hospice, in Blackpool, which helped both Linda and her sister Bernie. If you’d like to donate or would like to leave a tribute to Linda, please visit linda-nolan. muchloved.com
Source: Mirror
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