Noddy Holder’s wife says she ‘fell apart’ after Slade musician’s terminal cancer diagnosis

Heartbreaking news broke last week that Slade musician Noddy Holder was only given ‘months to live’ after being diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

The 77-year-old guitarist and singer of the band, whose hits include Merry Xmas Everybody, quietly underwent treatment for oesophageal cancer .

Oesophageal cancer is a cancer that’s found anywhere in the oesophagus, sometimes called the gullet or food pipe. His wife Suzan Price revealed the news in an emotional article with Great British Life.

But Noddy, who is from Walsall, and Suzan revealed that thanks to Noddy’s willingness to take part in a new cancer trial, he has remained relatively healthy after being placed on experimental drugs.

Now, in an interview with the Express and Star, Suzan opened up about Noddy’s secret health battle over the last few years.

She told the newspaper: “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.”

Speaking on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine show, Noddy revealed that he had been put on a form of chemotherapy treatment that hadn’t been used on anyone over 60 before after being give just months to live. He told Vine: “It was hard going, very hard going, but five years later I’m still standing.”

Describing the impact Noddy’s diagnosis had on her on the show, Suzan said: “It was unbelievable. I did fall apart. I got out of the room to fall apart, but unfortunately, Noddy knew that’s what was happening.

“I pulled myself together as quickly as possible, and I’ve been with him to every single appointment he’s ever had and obviously we’ve gone through all of that together.”

“So for him now to be here five years later is incredible, is not where we thought we were going to be but it’s brilliant.”

Suzan is also hopeful that Noddy will return to the stage in the future despite his diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of oesophageal cancer?

Its symptoms, among others, include having problems swallowing, heartburn or acid reflux, feeling or being sick, and indigestion.