Melinda Trenchard, also known as Lady Woodward and Linda, passed away on April 10, 2016 in Cedars Sinai Hospital, LA at the age of 75. Married to Tom Jones for 59 years, a statement was posted to the singer’s official website saying she died “after a short but fierce battle with cancer” and was “surrounded by her husband and loved ones” at the time of her death.
The statement added: “Sir Tom and his family have asked for privacy at this difficult time and no further information is currently available.”
It was later revealed Linda had lung cancer and over the years Jones has revealed heartbreaking stories of her demise.
During an appearance on The One Show last year he said: “I was there in the hospital room with her for the last 10 days and I said, ‘My god Linda, I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself because I won’t be able to sing, I won’t be able to get the words out’. She said, ‘You must!’
“She said, ‘Don’t fall with me! You know, I gotta go. But you don’t have to. And you’ve got to go and do what we planned to do’, which was to move back to London.”
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Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer very year in the UK.
Like all cancer, spotting symptoms early can ensure treatment is more successful.
But there are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.
The NHS says many people with he condition eventually develop symptoms including:
- a persistent cough
- coughing up blood
- persistent breathlessness
- unexplained tiredness and weight loss
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
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But survival rates can vary widely, depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis.
An early diagnosis can make a big difference on the outlook for being diagnosed with the disease.
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for lung cancer, so experts recommend stopping as soon as possible.
A balanced diet and regular exercise can also help in the prevention of lung cancer.