A WOMAN who nominated her friend to take a selfie without make-up said she is overjoyed that it led to her pal's life being saved.
Nicola Aldred asked Jackie Nicholas to pose for the photo – and attached a link with details on how to check for cancer.
Derby College lecturer Jackie, of Osmaston then checked and, to her horror, found a lump. After the cancer was confirmed she is now in remission and her chemotherapy began on Thursday.
Nicola, 32, of Ockbrook, said: "I feel quite overwhelmed that it led to her being diagnosed.
"When Jackie told me I was a life-saver it just made me glad I nominated her.
"I didn't think anything of it at the time but it has turned out to be the power of social media at its best. I think Jackie looks beautiful with or without make-up."
Jackie, who was diagnosed in May, said she thinks more should be done to highlight other forms of cancer.
The 35-year-old said: "The more people that do these kind of crazes the better, because it is all about raising awareness. Breast cancer is a very well-funded disease but other types do not get the same kind of publicity.
"For pancreatic cancer you do not hear about the signs and symptoms as much. The same is for liver cancer.
"There should definitely be more awareness and that could include another craze using social media."
Yesterday, talking the day before the treatment, she said: "I've woken up this morning and I'm a little bit nervous, because it is scary."
Jackie was too frightened to do anything about it after finding the lump and went ahead with a planned holiday to Paris with husband Tom, a teacher.
She told him about the lump on holiday and they went to a clinic as soon as they could on their return. After visiting the clinic it was later confirmed as cancer.
Jackie's treatment is predicted to be completed in February to March next year.
Before her diagnosis, Jackie had plans to launch her own dance school. They are now back on track. Dynamicmotif is a dance and performing arts academy in Risley.
The academy offers lessons in ballet, contemporary dance, junior performing arts and adult dance.
Jackie said: "I believe in going for it and it's been a big focus for me when dealing with being diagnosed. I really want to be a role model and to inspire children to get into dance and do well."
For more information on times and dates for the dance school Jackie can be e-mailed at dynamicmotif@yahoo.co.uk
