Contents On the cover 6 Left in a coma because her attacker walked free 20 My blind baby can finally see 24 I fought the menopause… and won! 30 I gave my mum a kidney for her birthday 32 We blew our wedding fund on our dog! 42 Cheater drowned his pregnant wife …so he could watch porn
MILLI
Thisweek,we’rerecognisingtheamazing workofLindaJones, 1 fromBirmin ham. Shewrotetosay…
WORDSBY HANNAH POON PHOTOS: SWNS
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eturning from a trip to New York, I felt utterly exhausted. Before going on the holiday, I’d been suffering with short-term memory loss, headaches and extreme tiredness, but now, I was burnt out. As a businesswoman, wife and mother-of-two, I just didn’t understand. Curled up in bed, I basically spent the next four months wrapped under the covers. My whole body hurt – even having a shower felt like rocks hitting my skin. Soon, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, but there was no help. I had to give up my job, and my home-life broke down. But soon, I decided enough was enough. If no one else was going to help me, then I would have to help myself. I looked at all aspects of my condition and worked on creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I’d always
More real life We all support each other
loved being rushed off my feet, but that had to stop. people who suffer fatigue as a And soon, I started to feel result of fibromyalgia, cancer, loads better. brain injuries, PTSD, That’s when I knew I could hormone problems, anxiety help others, too. and depression. Putting out an advert, I I’m also setting up a second invited people with chronic business called life4changing. fatigue to my house. It aims to bring health and Soon, my living room was wellbeing programmes into filled with strangers – all of the workplace. whom I could relate to. Since starting Salus From there, the in 2007, I’ve seen a I knew support group distinct pattern in I could continued to grow and personality traits. help that’s how Salus Most people who others Fatigue Foundation suffer with chronic was born. fatigue are Once a month, a group of us over-achievers, hard workers all meet in Birmingham and and adrenaline junkies. discuss chronic fatigue. So, I encourage everyone to From teens dealing with look after themselves and try exam stress to people in the to spot the signs early. dark place that I was. When I was diagnosed, I Salus now has an online could barely walk by myself, website, too. but I made a positive change It gives advice for people and you can, too! with chronic fatigue, as well as
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5 6 7 ACROSS 1 Severe, stern (4) 5 Distinct air (4) 6 Billy ___, 1980s singer (4) 7 Jamboree shelter (4) DOWN 1 Manner of walking (4) JUST FOR 2 Bad mannered (4) 3 Make smooth (4) 4 Variety of whisky (4)
Like me, you can turn it all around!
Sneaky peek at this week! P26 Prints charming
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Lucky 11 Double blow Bingo winner A Messi mix up
From you 3 One in a million 12 Your brainwaves
Feelgood 4 15 16 23 26 34 36 37 38 39 40 46 48
Your pick me ups Your dilemmas Your health Animal magic Your style Viral dangers Your telly Your home Genius or bonkers? Look amazing! Easy eats… Solve it in 7 Food and drink Your stars r: Gail Shortland r Writer: Laea Marshall re Writers: Rosie Crass, ah Poon, Nia Dalton r Designer: Victoria Elliott gner: Emily Kelford or Designers: Yazz Williams, lie Moxham, Mel Walter
P48 Tea for two
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Read down the shaded squares for the answer. Answer on page 47.
P23 Puppy power
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