I was just 26... It's the greatest loss

Stella McCartney in breast test plea as she talks about mum Linda's death

- BY MARC BAKER

FASHION designer Stella McCartney is urging women not to ignore free NHS breast cancer checks after opening up about losing her mother to the disease.

The daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul was 26 years old when she lost mother Linda aged just 56 in 1998, three years after she was diagnosed with the illness.

In a rare interview, Stella, 53, has revealed how she goes for mammogram screenings with her eldest sister, Mary, 55, and says it is vital other women do the same.

Urging women to get tested, Stella said: "I love the idea of going with my sister and my best friends on International Women's Day every year.

"I think it is a nice way to celebrate that process. Go and get your mammograms. My sister is my best friend. It is like no other."

Stella has previously described how her mother's death was "the most difficult thing I've ever had to encounter", and says the feeling of loss is with her every day.