'I don't want anyone touching my face. I want to grow old my way'

Now, it’s all apps and swipes — I can’t be bothered. I go to Soho, meet friends, maybe sneak off to a gig, and that's enough.”

- 

Her tone hardens at the memory of intrusive remarks.

“I’ve had dodgy comments — ‘Where's your hair? Why no wig?’ Sometimes I reply, ‘Why didn’t you wear better deodorant?’ But 95% of people are kind.

“I love hugs — I get so many lovely hugs.”

Gail's laugh breaks as she jokes about her frail eyelashes, fingers tracing her brow.

“I look like a massive baby with boobs. My lashes have grown back recently, and I save a fortune on mascara. I even microbladed my brows — they were too dark, so I bleached them at home. Complete chaos!”

She's protective of her looks. “I had my boobs reduced years ago because they were massive and my back hurt, but that's all the surgery I've ever had. I don’t want anyone touching my face. I want to grow old my way.”