Linda Nolan's former brother-in-law Sane Richie cut a sombre figure as he arrived for her funeral in Blackpool on Saturday. Friends, family and fans of the star gathered outside St. Paul’s Church in Blackpool on Saturday as she was laid to rest following her death last month. The singer tragically passed away on January 15 2024 aged 65 following a 20-year breast cancer battle and suffering from double pneumonia.

And Shane, 60, who was married to Linda's sister Coleen between 1990-1999, was one of the first to arrive to pay his respects, as he hid his eyes behind brown tinted shades. Linda will be laid to rest in her 'spiritual home' of Blackpool, where the Nolans found fame after moving to the town in 1972, and where they lived for much of their lives, once even recording a single called Blackpool about the football club.

The funeral service, which was due to begin at 10.30am, was held in the same church on Honister Avenue where Linda married her beloved husband Brian Hudson in 1981. Linda Nolan's former brother-in-law Sane Richie cut a sombre figure as he arrived for her funeral in Blackpool on Saturday. Shane, 60, who was married to Linda's sister Coleen between 1990-1999, was one of the first to arrive to pay his respects, as he hid his eyes behind brown tinted shades.

The singer tragically passed away on January 15 2024 aged 65 following a 20-year breast cancer battle and suffering from double pneumonia (pictured in 2020). Friends, family and fans of Linda Nolan gathered outside St. Paul’s Church in Blackpool on Saturday as she was laid to rest following her death last month. The church is also where she held Brian's funeral, after she lost him to skin cancer in 2007 when he was 60 years old.

A private service followed at a crematorium nearby, with Linda laid to rest with Brian's ashes. Her sister Coleen previously explained how they had decided on Linda's final resting place, telling The Mirror: 'My first thought after she died was to put Brian’s ashes with Linda’s. 'So that’s what we’re doing. In life they were never apart, so I’m glad they’ll be together again.'. In the wake of her death, Linda's sisters Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59, extended an invitation to her fans to say their goodbyes and celebrate 'her remarkable life'.

Fans gathered outside St Paul's in designated areas, joining in with the family's final farewell. An official invitation shared on social media last week read: 'The Nolan family invites everyone to join them in celebrating the extraordinary life of Linda Nolan. 'Linda was a beacon of light, strength and unwavering love who inspired everyone she met, in addition to millions around the world. The funeral service, which was due to begin at 10.30am, was held in the same church on Honister Avenue where Linda married her beloved husband Brian Hudson in 1981 (pictured together on wedding day).

The church is also where she held Brian's funeral, after she lost him to skin cancer in 2007 when he was 60 years old. Shane looked downcast as he made his way to the church alone. In the wake of her death, Linda's sisters Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59, extended an invitation to her fans to say their goodbyes and celebrate 'her remarkable life'. 'Her absence leaves an ache in our hearts but her legacy will live on through the joy, hope and kindness she shared so freely.

'Everyone who knew Linda or whose lives she touched, is welcome to come and pay their respects as we remember her remarkable life. 'Fans and public are welcome to gather outside the church for the funeral - and in true Linda spirit, the more the merrier!'. It continued: 'St. Paul’s Church holds a deeply special place in Linda’s heart. It is where she married the love of her life, Brian Hudson, with whom she shared 26 wonderful years of marriage. Brian was Linda’s rock, her soulmate, and the love of her life, just as she was his.

'When Brian tragically passed away in 2007, Linda found the strength to carry on, but her love for him never wavered. St. Paul’s was also where Linda said her final goodbye to Brian, holding his funeral in the same church where they had exchanged their vows. 'Now, Linda will return to this sacred place to be reunited with Brian once more, finally at peace and back in his loving embrace. 'Following the service, there will be a private cremation at a nearby crematorium, attended by close family and friends only.'.

The family then expressed their wishes that any donations be made to a charity. They penned: 'In honour of Linda’s compassionate and giving spirit, the family wishes to raise as much money as possible for Trinity Hospice, a charity that held a special place in Linda’s heart. 'Donations can be sent through her memorial page, via the link in our bio. Messages of condolence, cherished memories and photos can also be shared on the page, creating a lasting tribute to Linda’s beautiful life.