Noddy Holder among first UK patients to receive new chemotherapy

Noddy Holder

Noddy Holder received a terminal diagnosis of cancer, with doctors estimating he had just six months to live.

Noddy Holder - Figure 1
Photo BBC News

Noddy Holder, the musician, shared that he is relishing the experience of performing again at the age of 78, especially after his life was transformed thanks to an innovative new cancer therapy.

The lead singer of Slade was told he had only six months to live after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2018. However, he managed to recover thanks to treatment at The Christie hospital in Manchester.

The NHS announced that Mr. Holder, aged 78, was one of the initial patients in the UK to undergo a "new chemotherapy treatment" tailored for his particular kind of adenocarcinoma, which originates in the glandular tissue of the esophagus.

Holder, originally from Walsall and now residing in Cheshire, shared with BBC Breakfast, "Fortunately, I’m still around five years later."

The NHS mentioned: "Oesophageal cancer comes in various forms, and Noddy had a specific kind called adenocarcinoma, which we believed could respond positively to this chemotherapy treatment."

Holder mentioned that he started playing again with a 10-member boogie jazz band following his recovery.

"I may not sing throughout the entire two-hour performance, but I share plenty of stories," he explained.

"The performance includes plenty of music, and I conclude with a handful of songs."

In the meantime, Susan Holder, his wife, let fans know that her husband had improved enough to carry on with his festive tradition of waking her up on Christmas Day by enthusiastically shouting "It's Christmas!" just like the famous 1973 song by Slade.

Slade's 1973 track "Merry Xmas Everybody" achieved great success.

She remarked, "If you find it noisy when you listen to the recording or hear it in the store, just picture how it sounds on your pillow while you’re trying to sleep."

The couple has started a charity raffle to benefit East Cheshire Hospice, a place they became familiar with during Mr. Holder's treatment at The Christie.

The winner will receive a papier-mâché statue of Holder, crafted by local artist Patty Callaghan.

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