Bernie Nolan dies after cancer battle, aged 52

[dutchman]

Bernie Nolan has died at the age of 52.



The former Nolan Sisters singer and actress had battled cancer for several years.

"Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her," said a spokesperson for her family.

"The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable.

"They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time."

After undergoing a mastectomy and initially being declared free of breast cancer in 2010, the disease returned in 2012 in an incurable form which had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.

Asked about the disease last October, Nolan said: "I wake up in the morning bright, happy, and then it hits me. I've got incurable cancer. But then I think, 'Oh well, feck it. Get up and get on with it'."

The group had several hit singles, including 'I'm in the Mood for Dancing', 'Don't Make Waves', 'Attention to Me' and 'Gotta Pull Myself Together'.

As an actor, she starred in stage musical Blood Brothers before winning the role of Diane Murray in Brookside. She later played Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy in The Bill.

In more recent years, Nolan featured in the 'Nolans Reunited' arena tour and got to the final of reality show Popstar to Operastar.

Nolan was reported to have been cared for in a hospice before returning home to be with her family days ago.

"All the family up to see my amazing mum, she so does not deserve what she's going through #upyourscancer," said her daughter Erin Doneathy on July 2.

Nolan is also survived by her husband Steve Doneathy, who helped complete her memoir Now and Forever, which was released earlier this year.