Council hails Noddy Holder as 'legend of Walsall' after illness

Holder was granted Freedom of the Borough nine years ago

A council hailed Noddy Holder as a "legend of Walsall" and sent its best wishes after it was revealed he had cancer treatment.

Councillor Pete Smith put forward a motion calling for Walsall to send thoughts to Holder, 77, and his family.

The former Slade frontman was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer five years ago, his wife Suzan revealed last month.

He was originally given six months to live, but responded well to experimental chemotherapy, she said.

Holder was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2014, when Mr Smith was mayor.

Mr Smith, an independent member for Blakenall, told a council meeting: "Every member in this room knows of people who has either suffered with or suffers with cancer.

"But I think it's important to single Noddy out on this particular occasion because he is a legend in Walsall."

Slade was formed in Wolverhampton in 1966 and have enjoyed enormous success, with hits including Mama Weer All Crazee Now and festive favourite Merry Xmas Everybody.

Noddy Holder "put Walsall on the map", said councillors

His roots were in the Caldmore and then Beechdale areas, Mr Smith said.

"When he was given Freedom of the Borough it was obvious how deeply passionate he is about his roots and Walsall," he said.

"He certainly made a mark in the world in terms of his music and work. So I think it is important to single him out, given all that and given what he has contributed.

"Given he has put Walsall on the map - not the only one to have done so but he certainly has."

Council leader Mike Bird, who himself was recently treated for bowel cancer, added: "Noddy Holder quite rightly holds the banner for Walsall everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

"This recognises we still remember him for what he gave us and secondly to say cancer is something that can affect everyone. Our hearts go out to all of those people."

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