Unable to link VirginMedia/02 ID

Good evening folks, 

Ive tried this a few times before - an IT ticket was seemingly raised but this was over 6 months ago, so coming back to the community to see if there has been a solution for this yet.

Long story short. I cannot link my Virgin Media account since the VM/02 merge. I previously had access to my account before this and logged onto it using my main email - no issues. 

When i attempt to link my account I am given this message 

I know what this email is - the problem is - it has been defunct for some time and  the email provider will not allow me access to it again - as it was closed years ago. 

Ive spoken to VM several times, and each time an urgent IT ticket has been raised, but I have not been contact since. This was 6 month+ ago. I also cannot use the VM connect app to optimise my equipment - which is causing me to come back again. I seemingly need to login to this now!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.