Nancy was born the third child of working class parents. As a child, she experienced sexual abuse from her father who often called her "ugly" compared to her siblings.

Nancy attended her local primary school starting at age 5 but stopped attending at around age 8. Nancy met Robert Stower when they were both young as they lived close by and often played together on the streets.

As teenagers, Nancy and Robert started dating and Nancy moved into Robert's childhood home.

At age 14, Nancy gives birth to her and Robert's first child, Damon Stower. Shortly after his birth, Nancy and Robert moved out of Robert's childhood home and into a flat together. A year later, Kurt Stower, their second child, is born. After the brith, Nancy experienced postnatal depression and refused to interact with her newborn.

In 1977, Nancy and Robert's third child, Joe Stower, is born, followed, in 1979, by Liam Stower and then Ethan Stower in 1980.

Over time, Nancy's depression worsened and her relationship with Robert broke down. She began drinking heavily and stopped leaving the flat. Eventually, members of the family began moving out around Nancy until only Liam remained.

Liam remained living with Nancy, working to pay her rent and taking care of her when her health declined.