BEATING breast cancer became a family fight for a mum and daughter from Wirral - and now both are determined use their experience to help others.

Exclusive by Frances Earlam

Frances Jones was under-going radiotherapy for breast cancer and nearing the end of her treatment when her 38-year-old daughter, Toni, was also diagnosed with the disease, which affects around 40,000 in the UK each year.

The 59-year-old had already been through chemotherapy and surgery to remove her breast when Toni discovered a lump and visited her doctor.

Toni said: "After mum had her mastectomy she said she was worried about me and told me to have a mamm-ogram, which is a way of testing for breast cancer.

"I went to the doctor who found something but wasn't sure. We thought we were being over-cautious but then they confirmed that I too had breast cancer."

But having seen how her mum had bravely battled the illness and soldiered through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, Toni realised that she had to follow her lead.

"My first reaction was 'how long have I got to live?' and then I realised it was just fantastic what they can do for you. You've just got to go for it and stay positive."

"Mum was such a good role model. I had a hard act to follow but my two teenage daughters, Sarah, 16, and Jessica, 14, have seen us both get through it."

Now, changed by her experiences, Toni has started a business to help fellow sufferers.

She said: "I wouldn't have started the business if I hadn't had breast cancer.

"I worked in insurance but I wanted to do something that would help people because I know how they feel."

Frances added: "Breast cancer put such a strain on our family.

"But they were there for us. My husband Barry lost his brother and sister to cancer as I was going through treatment, but he stayed supportive of me and Toni.

"He has been to hell and back, running us up and down to the hospital. He has been a pillar of strength."

Toni's husband, Keith, was also there for the women, and mother and daughter found that having the shared experience brought them closer.

"We understand what each other has been through," Toni said, "and it's brought us even closer together. I would sit with Mum in hospital during her treatment and she would sit with me."

Although they have both lost a breast to the disease and had to cope with the added strain of their hair falling out because of the treatment, Toni and Frances say they just remained upbeat.

"I always liked my hair and thought the world would have ended with my hair coming out," laughed Frances. "But you've got to have a sense of humour.

"I went to the hospital to get the prosthesis to put in my bra, but I am so big, they couldn't find one big enough and they had to send one through the post!"

Toni added: "And then I was wearing mine and I was cycling along the prom when a dog ran across in front of me and I slammed on the brakes.

"I got half way down the road before I noticed that it had fallen out of my bra and twisted round to my back. I don't know how many people saw me with a big lump sticking out of my back!"

While Frances decided to keep using her prosthesis, Toni has started the long process of reconstructive surgery. But beating breast cancer has forced both women to look at their lives in a new light and Toni has been busy organising the start up of her own business.

She said: "I wouldn't have started the business if I hadn't had breast cancer.

"I worked in insurance but I wanted to do something that would help people because I know how they feel."

And so, on Tuesday, Toni opened Profile Lingerie in Wallasey Village, with the help of her mum.

After taking a course in fitting bras and spending hours researching manufacturers she has provided a shop for women who are going through or have been through treatment for breast cancer.

She explains: "I got up one day and thought I'm going to have a go. I saw the shop and thought this is what I am going to do.

"I will be selling specially manufactured bras for women who have had a mastectomy which are comfortable to wear and have pockets for the prosthesis because there are very few places that sell them locally.

"I'm also selling wig shampoo and wig stands, which can also be difficult to get hold of. Ladies can ring up and make an appointment for a fitting or just have a look at the bras available.

"We have been through an ordeal but we are both happy and feeling great at the moment. We just want to show women that there is life after breast cancer."

* Cancer Research UK - www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer

* Breast Cancer Care - www.breastcancercare.org.uk

* Breakthrough Breast Cancer - www.breakthrough.org.uk