'I had to be plucked off the ledge after cancer diagnosis'

Now Cult star Billy helps others

- By Chris Riches

ROCKER Billy Duffy of The Cult has told how a prostate cancer diagnosis shattered his world but inspired him to encourage other men to discuss their health.

The guitarist, 63, also revealed to the Daily Express that he and his pal Mike Peters of 1980s band The Alarm have helped each other during their respective cancer treatments.

Manchester-born Billy, who is in Los Angeles preparing for a Cult tour of Brazil, talked about his diagnosis and how he found support to pluck him “off the ledge” of despair.

And he paid tribute to his partner Leilani Dowding, 45, a former Miss Great Britain and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, for being his nurse and rock.

Billy, who first found fame with 1985 hit She Sells Sanctuary, explained how a 2017 health check found his prostate-specific antigen levels were up which is often an indicator of cancer.