Maureen Nolan My sister Bernie’s such an inspiration

THE NOLANS have been through many struggles during their decades in the limelight.

Whether it was fallouts, break-ups or illnesses, the sisters fought them all.

But with the recurrence of second youngest sibling Bernie’s cancer, it became obvious this is one fight that could not be won.

As big sister Maureen explains, though, that didn’t stop Bernie from trying.

“She refuses to bow down to it, even now that she’s stopped treatment,” Maureen said recently.

“There are two choices, she says to climb out of bed every day and fight it, or give up. And she won’t do the latter.

“Bernie’s actually helping us cope with it, which is ridiculous to say, because none of us felt we could.

“She’s just amazing. Our hero.”

Bernie was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, 2010, but was given the all-clear after treatment.

Sadly, the disease returned eight months ago and spread throughout her body.

Doctors told her it was terminal and it was a matter of when, not if, she succumbs to the disease.

“I went to see her recently when I was on my way home from Southend to Blackpool you have to take every opportunity,” Maureen continued.

“She wasn’t in a great way, but she still managed to go down to the pub and have Sunday dinner.”

It’s not just in the way that Bernie’s battled against insurmountable odds that has inspired Maureen.

Watching her little sister star as Mrs Johnstone on stage in Blood Brothers more than a decade ago encouraged Maureen to follow in her footsteps and now she’s playing the same role.

Sisters Linda and Denise have also played the character, making Maureen the fourth Nolan to take the part.

“I think Bernie paved the way for the rest of us,” Maureen continued. “She went into acting while I was still doing the Nolans stuff.

“People used to laugh that I would be next in line.

“I suppose it was almost inevitable, but I was very nervous at the audition. I didn’t want to be the first sister to be knocked back!”

Maureen first worked on the show in 2005, while it was in the West End.

She’s played Mrs Johnstone regularly ever since and still loves being part of the show, despite the tough schedule.

“I enjoy the touring side of things more today, although now I drive myself,” she said.

“Mrs Johnstone is strong and funny. She reminds me of my mother, who also had lots of kids and lived on a council estate.

“I convey every emotion on stage, plus there are great songs. I love it.”

Blood Brothers is in Edinburgh Playhouse from June 24-29, and then various locations in England and Wales from Sept 2 to Dec 7.