Thanks to two sisters Nolan, a mother has overcome cancer.
Gail Jones, 56-year-old Carer, lives in Manchester, with Susan (57). She is a longtime superfan of all-girls groups, but had no idea that Bernie Nolan and Linda Nolan could save her life.
The mom-of-four has every album by The Nolans and witnessed them perform live on stage more than 100 times. She was even backstage at one concert when she got lifesaving advice.
Gail was encouraged by Bernie Nolan (who had just died from cancer) to “always check your breasts” at concerts a decade ago. This led to Gail being diagnosed early after discovering a lump last year.
Gail reached out to Linda Nolan after she was diagnosed in 2008 with breast cancer. She has now learned that the disease can be treated. They became good friends and were able to support each other through this terrifying process.
Gail Jones, 56 years old, who lives in Manchester was recently diagnosed with breast carcinoma. The late Bernie Nolan had told her to examine her breasts every ten-years, she said. Gail, now 62 years old, reached out to Linda Nolan (right), who guided her through the treatment.
Gail (right) is a huge fan of the Nolan siblings since her 16th birthday when she first saw them live. Linda is pictured here with Gail at a prior meeting. She meets regularly with musicians.
Gail, who received the all clear last month, says that she owes her entire life to the Nolan siblings – as Bernie wouldn’t have seen the lump and Linda would never have given her the strength or courage to undergo treatment.
Carer Gail originally hails from West Bromwich (West Midlands) and said that she couldn’t believe what was happening when the cancer was removed. There were also times when I doubted I would make it.
Linda has always been there to support me through my darkest times.
“I can still recall so clearly seeing Bernie backstage, and she made sure I kept her promise that I would always look for lumps.
“I kept my promise for a decade, never expecting to find anything. I can’t imagine what could have happened if it hadn’t come up when I did.
Linda Nolan and Bernie Nolan perform during concert on November 18, 2011. Gail is a long-standing fan of the band.
“Bernie saved mine when she suggested that I check my breasts for signs of cancer. Linda helped me get through the process.
Linda Nolan said: “It was amazing that Gail could reach out to me after she was diagnosed.
“It is so vital to be in touch with others who are going through the exact same things as you.
Gail and Coleen Nolan, 1985. Backstage, the Nolan sisters would have a meeting with their carer.
Gail lives with Susan (57), in Manchester. According to her, she checked her breasts every day after Bernie Nolan suggested it.
‘I was unaware of the depth and breadth of our friendship until Gail gave me the message. It’s wonderful to catch up with old friendships and strengthen that relationship.
“My main message was the same as Bernie’s – Always check your breasts!”
Gail lives in Manchester with her wife Susan Jones (57). She told us how the Nolans were a big fan since seeing them perform live at age 16.
She has been a frequent visitor to the Nolan Family backstage many times and spent thousands of dollars on tickets over the years.
It was on this occasion that she remembered meeting Bernie Nolan. He later succumbed to cancer in 2013 and Gail received strict instructions.
Gail is the mother of four children and eight grandchildren. She said that Bernie once told her to “Please Promise Me You’ll Always Check Your Breasts. It can Save Your Life.”
“When Bernie said it, I felt that I owed it”
Gail took the warning seriously and continued to check for lumps daily for over a decade, until finally she discovered a tiny cancerous lump in June 2020.
A grade three tumour was discovered during a mastectomy performed on July 20, to treat early-stage cancer.
It had spread to her lymph nodes, and she recalls the moment when she thought she would never see her grandchildren.
She shared that she was “devastated” and was crying every night.
It happened to me and I was shocked.
Gail and Linda have been close friends ever since Gail was diagnosed. This year, she received the all clear.
Right, Gail and Susan. According to the carer, she was distraught after receiving her diagnosis and had been crying all day.
Gail reached out to Linda Nolan after becoming good friends at one of many concerts Gail had attended. Linda has also been fighting cancer for more than a decade.
Linda (62 years old) was diagnosed first with breast cancer in 2006. She received the all clear shortly thereafter. In 2016, Linda learned that the cancer had returned to the hip.
It was May 2020 when she discovered the disease had advanced to her liver. She became inoperable. Gail, her friend for many years, helped her to stay strong two months later.
Linda Nolan and Gloria Hunniford with Anne Nolan, Anne Nolan, Maureen, Bernie, Coleen, and Maureen Nolan, in 1980s blue
Gail stated that she was unsure whether or not to send Linda a message because Linda is fighting cancer. However, once I started, it felt like I had made the right choice.
“But I was able to do so quickly, and they supported me daily. They helped me keep calm even in the most terrifying times.
“It was so refreshing to talk to someone who understood my situation – I cannot believe someone is the same person that I looked up to since 16 years old.”
Gail received the all clear after more than one year of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.
Gail and Maureen backstage after an 1983 concert. Superfan of Nolan, Gail said that the Nolans are her favourite girl group.
She can now say she was saved by the Nolan Sisters, her favorite girl group.
Gail reflected on the 18 months of her battle with cancer and said, “It was a tough year. I experienced some low points.”
“I thought that I would die. I once even told my wife, “I wanted to end it all.”
“But Linda has been an inspiration to me. She texted me each night reminding me that she and I are in this together, and that it is worth the effort.
I remember Linda telling me that Linda would not want me to give up at any time, and this is true.
Gail stated that she had lost faith in her treatment for cancer and revealed to Linda that Linda texted her each evening to help her stay strong.
“Linda, my wife, were the people who showed me that life was worth living. I’m sure I’ll come out on the other side.
Gail said that Linda and Gail are ‘friends forever’. She will never forget the guidance Bernie provided years ago.
She replied, “Bernie was the person who advised me to test my breasts last night. I kept my word to her.”
“Then Linda helped me through my scariest experiences in life, even though she was fighting for her battle.
“Even though my cancer is over, I still want to be there for Linda. I hope she gets the same support I received.”
“Bernie saved mine when she suggested that I check my breasts for signs of cancer. Linda helped me get through the process.