Linda Nolan’s sister Denise Nolan-Anderson paid tribute to the late singer with an emotional eulogy, and revealed the birthday tradition they’ll remember her by

The late Linda Nolan will be remembered by her sisters every year with a very special birthday tradition. On Saturday morning, a hearse carrying her pink glittery coffin arrived at at St Paul’s Church in Blackpool as the family prepared to bid an emotional farewell to their beloved Linda.

Her sisters Anne, Maureen, Loose Women star Coleen and Denise, along with other family members, stood by as Linda’s coffin, adorned with a floral arrangement, was carried into the church. The family donned black attire, but touches of pink were visible in the form of ribbons pinned to their outfits or pink handbags they carried – a symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Coleen was emotional as she arrived at Linda’s funeral

Denise Nolan greeted mourners at her sister’s funeralLast month, Linda died age 65 from double pneumonia, although her immune system had been left weakened by her secondary breast cancer and treatment. The Nolan Sisters singer was surrounded by her devoted siblings.

During the funeral service, mourners were told she would have “loved all the fuss”. The Faith Hill song There You’ll Be was played as the singer’s coffin was taken into the church, which was packed with mourners, including people standing at the back.

In a eulogy, her sister Denise Nolan-Anderson said: “She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and make-up done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion. She would have loved all the fuss today.”

She also revealed the touching way the family will mark Linda’s birthday – with her favourite drink. “We remember Bern on her birthday with Vodka mules. Linda’s will have to be Peach Melbas.”

The family added pops of pink to their outfitsShe added that singer Linda had so many friends “who adored her”. Describing her sister’s cancer diagnosis, Denise told the church: “She said the hair loss was the worst thing for her.”

She said the diagnosis, along with losing her husband Brian and sister Bernie, could have “destroyed” a lesser person. Denise added: “Not Linda, instead she chose to help raise millions for cancer research.”

She said her sister showed “courage in the face of adversity”. She concluded: “It’s time to rest now Linda. The battle is over. You are free.”

A recording of Linda singing When It’s Over was played after the eulogy.

Among the mourners were Charlotte Dawson, daughter of comedian Les Dawson, Lee Brennan from boyband 911, and Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger.

Linda and her sisters Coleen, Bernie, Maureen, Anne and Denise formed the pop group, recording hits like Gotta Pull Myself Together and I’m In The Mood For Dancing in the late 70s and early 80s. Bernie died of breast cancer in 2013 aged 52.

Singer Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 before being given the all clear in 2011. However, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017.