One in a million

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MILLI

This week, we’re recognising the amazing work of Linda Jones, 1 from Birmin ham. She wrote to say…

Returning 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

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We all support each other Like me, you can turn it all around!

loved being rushed off my feet, but that had to stop.

And soon, I started to feel loads better.

That’s when I knew I could help others, too.

Putting out an advert, I invited people with chronic fatigue to my house.

Soon, my living room was filled with strangers – all of whom I could relate to. From there, the support group continued to grow and that’s how Salus Fatigue Foundation was born.

Once a month, a group of us all meet in Birmingham and discuss chronic fatigue. From teens dealing with exam stress to people in the dark place that I was.

Salus now has an online website, too.

It gives advice for people with chronic fatigue, as well as people who suffer fatigue as a result of fibromyalgia, cancer, brain injuries, PTSD, hormone problems, anxiety and depression.

I’m also setting up a second business called life4changing. It aims to bring health and wellbeing programmes into the workplace.

Since starting Salus in 2007, I’ve seen a distinct pattern in personality traits.

Most people who suffer with chronic fatigue are over-achievers, hard workers and adrenaline junkies.

So, I encourage everyone to look after themselves and try to spot the signs early.

When I was diagnosed, I could barely walk by myself, but I made a positive change and you can, too!  I knew I could help others

Sneaky peek

7 Read down the shaded squares for the answer. Answer on page 47. JUST FOR FUN ACROSS 1 Severe, stern (4) 5 Distinct air (4) 6 Billy ___, 1980s singer (4) 7 Jamboree shelter (4) DOWN 1 Manner of walking (4) 2 Bad mannered (4) 3 Make smooth (4) 4 Variety of whisky (4) at this P23 Puppy power

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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 More real life 10 Lucky 11 17 Double blow 28 Bingo winner 50 A Messi mix up From you 3 One in a million 12 Your brainwaves Feelgood 4 Your pick me ups 15 Your dilemmas 16 Your health 23 Animal magic 26 Your style 34 Viral dangers 36 Your telly 37 Your home 38 Genius or bonkers? 39 Look amazing! 40 Easy eats… 46 Solve it in 7 48 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