In July 2015 Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer and by August 2015 had a mastecomy. After surgery she left hospital with drains inserted supported in a plastic bag. Chemotherapy followed in October 2015 and by February 2016 this was completed.

In May 2016 Sue's daughter Suzanne aged 35 who lives in Australia was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy. Fortunately Sue was able to travel to Australia and support Suzanne pre surgery. She was presented with a drain bag as a gift from a charity so no plastic bag for Suzanne. On returning to Wigan Sue felt that she needed to give something back to Wigan cancer unit after the fantastic treatment and care. Sue is the founder and actively involved in Friends of Families charity and the commitee agreed to support the establishment of volunteers willing to make up the Dolly drain bags for women following breast surgery within Wigan Cancer Care Unit thus becoming the Dollybirds.