‘I owe my life to Linda Nolan’: West Midlands cancer survivor tells how the tragic singer inspired her through illness

A cancer survivor who "owes her life" to friend Linda Nolan has told how the star was beautiful "inside and out" and "taught her to make the most of life" despite having cancer herself.

Gail Jones, 59, from West Bromwich, grew up obsessing over the Nolan Sisters - she went to every concert, every meet-and-greet, and bought every album.

Gail was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 - ten years after Linda Nolan’s sister - the late Bernie Nolan - had encouraged her to check her breasts.

Gail then struck up a close friendship with Linda, who also had cancer. Gail has told how Linda, who died yesterday on Wednesday (January 15), supported her through treatment until she was given the all-clear in November 2021.

Mum of four Gail said she last had a call with Linda two weeks ago in which the singer said: "I'm still here and I'm still going, so I'm going to live every day".

Gail knew Linda’s health was deteriorating - but it didn't make the news of her death any less of a blow.

She credits both Linda and sister Bernie for saving her life - and said the news of Linda's death is "absolutely devastating".

Gail said: "I'm heartbroken. Linda got me through some very dark times in my life and my cancer treatment.

"When I was diagnosed, I was so scared but Linda was so strong and positive, and she taught me to make the most of life.

"She and Bernie literally saved my life. I didn't want to be here at times, but Linda kept me going and reminded me what I have to live for.

"She was funny, she was strong and inspirational. She was beautiful inside and out."

Gail found a lump in her breast in July 2020, a decade after the late Bernie had reminded her never to forget the checks.

She was diagnosed with a grade-three tumour as a result and reached out to Linda, who supported Gail through her journey while also living with incurable cancer herself.

Gail, who lives with wife Susan Jones, 60, maintained a friendship with Linda even after going into remission a year later.

Gail said: "Linda hated the word 'brave' - she would tell me 'it's not about being brave, I don't have a choice!'

"But I still think she was so brave.

"My God, she was inspirational too. And such a beautiful soul, inside and out.

"She always had time for you.

"I'm heartbroken because I knew how much she wanted to live."

Gail said Linda had helped her to see the light when she was going through her own mental battles as a result of cancer.

She said: "Linda made me feel like I wanted to enjoy every single day and be happy to be here.

"I like to think I can be as tough as she was, if anything happened to me.

"I hope the crowds line the streets in Blackpool like they did for Bernie.

"I hope the people of Blackpool give her a good send off. She definitely deserves one."