25 October 2023 , 17:29
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Today would have been my late husband Brian’s birthday. I still write it in my diary on October 26 – like I’d ever forget!
Every year I wake up and think, ‘Another birthday without you’, but then I think about how every birthday I had with him was such good fun. I’ve had counselling on and off since 2006, which has got me through the difficult times and made me realise that although these kinds of dates can be a bit melancholy, they are also something to celebrate and to remember him by.
There was another sad loss this week with the death of Bill Kenwright. The impact he had on drama and theatre is remarkable. He was the reason for me, Bernie, Denise and Maureen going into West End musical theatre. We even got a Guinness World Record for four siblings playing the same leading lady role in a musical.
Linda and Coleen with guest at the Heroes Awards (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hea)
Linda with late husband Brian (DAILY MIRROR)I got on great with Bill. He nurtured me through rehearsals and would often pop in to try and catch us out doing something we shouldn’t! Maureen saw recently as she’s in Calendar Girls. He had been in rehearsals and she said he hadn’t looked well. Bill’s cancer had spread to his liver and mine has too, but I’m feeling good at the moment.
My balance is OK but my hearing isn’t great, which is hysterical as my sister Denise’s partner can’t hear either and between us we’re always having to ask, “Sorry, what?” It’s been a busy week, though. We were so thrilled to see our blue plaque unveiled last week and after chemo that afternoon, I headed to London for a magazine awards do where I had a lovely night in a hotel.
Bobi the farm dog breaks world record as oldest pooch to ever exist at 30
At the awards, I was named Celebrity Hero of the Year. I don’t feel like a hero but I was so chuffed. Coleen gave me the award and made me cry. She said that every day I’m a hero and that I just get on with it and have been so brave. I said thank you but then joked that last year, my family all got amazing Christmas presents because I didn’t think I’d be here 12 months on, so this year they will all be rubbish!