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The truth about

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SEXPERT ADVICE Yes, you CAN reignite your love life

Life’s most

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ON SALE NOW Your must-have guide, available from supermarkets and newsagents

WELCOME TO YOUR MONTHLY SPECIAL OF

March special

T

COVER PHOTO : GETTY STOCK IMAGES: GETTY AND ALAMY

he month of March is all about celebrating women. With International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, it’s our time to shine.

So, we’re making sure you know the famous and ordinary women across the globe who are taking a stand for equality (pg12).

Life has a habit of throwing some nasty curveballs, but us women are known for making the most out of a bad situation. When Zu (pg14) was dealt a devastating blow, she refused to let it beat her and lived a life of happiness. Now, she wants to show others just how strong they can really be.

Being a mum is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world and we strive to give our children the best life possible. As Louise (pg40) watched her own daughter grow, she wanted to pass down her advice to other mums in her situation, to allow children to thrive.

No matter how big or small, family treasures are a wonderful way to remember those we love.

When Ainslie (pg30) lost her beloved gran, there was one thing she knew she wanted to keep. As one of the most important women in her life, Ainslie will never forget her with this family keepsake.

As well as plenty more real life stories for you to enjoy at your leisure, we also have some super recipes to make the most out of chai (pg20), a guide to the best conservation zoos and sanctuaries in the country (pg26), and some gorgeous transitional outfits to get you ready for sunny spring (pg28).

Look out for some handy home furnishings (pg49), and don’t forget to grab your Pick Me Up! April special, on sale 19 March.

Enjoy!

Gail x

Hide and seek On which page in this month’s Pick Me Up! can you find this tasty treat?

Hint: ideal for a very special someone. _____________ Answer on pg61

On the cover 6

8 18 52 54 58

You can bring your rapist to justice… I did It was a miracle I survived Strangers call us Beauty and the Beast, but this is true love My sports day humiliation The cruel chef who cooked his wife My dog was swept out to sea!

More real life 10 14 30 34 38 40 42 47 62 64

Little pick me ups A life worth living Good egg I wish I’d listened Dangerous dance What a trooper The write stuff Bonfire blackout More little pick me ups For the family

27

Fun features

12 Celebrating women 20 Easy eats 23 Pig day 26 Days out 28 Your style – Winter to Spring 32 Pick Me Up! quiz 36 Travel – Pitch perfect 41 Look amazing 48 Tooth be told 49 Home – A place for everything 50 What’s trending?

56 Your style – Fresh in at New Look 60 Your stars 66 Mother’s Day gifts

Your favourites 4 Your pick me ups 16 Brainwaves 24 Your dilemmas 45 Health and happiness

28

49

Editor: Gail Shortland Senior Writer: Laea Marshall Feature Writers: Rosie Crass, Hannah Poon, Nia Dalton Senior Designer: Victoria Elliott Designer: Emily Kelford Junior Designers: Yazz Williams, Hollie Moxham, Mel Walter

3

w in o ra e th en h w H p u es o g at ! h W y n n n? u f comes dow Umbrellas.

Best buds Look at Matt and Wally having fun!

H.Rose-Gale, London

Sunrise Baby boy My cousin recently had a baby boy and I loved meeting him for the first time. So special!

N.Dalton, Bristol

Nacho cheese Here’s my gorgeous mum Linda. She looks beautiful!

Hollie, Portishead

4

I’m so excited for spring, I wet my plants.

Don’t kale my spring vibes

Does February like March?

No, but April May.

Mum and me

Look at this beautiful sunrise from my flat. The sky looked so peaceful and golden.

Anastasia, York

My boyfriend and I had these nachos on our date night. All of the toppings!

Jenny, Manchester

Howy! funn

Sibling love This is my brother and me. Everyone says we look alike but I can’t see it!

Hannah, Essex

Morph and me My son loves Aardman animations!

G.Mahon, Wales

ANIMAL MAGIC Ourreadershavecapturedtheir adorableanimalsoncamera...

Washed up on the shore I came across this seal in the sand on a day out. I’ve never been so close to one before!

D.Elliott, Norwich

Last bud not least.

Naughty pup Here’s Mabel breaking the rules. Can’t help but love her anyway!

Harriet, South Gloucestershire

Happy girl Look at my gorgeous daughter playing tunes and doing her hair. She’s adorable!

Elsie, Stratford

Sweet ‘n savoury I tried this halloumi and strawberry salad recently and it was delicious. What a combo!

Trudy, Leicester

Dino-paw Ollie with his new best friend.

Layleigh, Weston

Whale of a time Look at Buddy exploring the beach.

Holly, Bristol

nny How What do you caells?a bu ! y n n e fl h wit fu Bugs Bunny.

21 years after her rape, Alice* saw her attacker in court…

SH

I couldn’t bear to look at myself

WORDS BY HARRIET ROSE-GALE IMAGES: SWNS/GETTY/ALAMY *ALICE’S NAME HAS BEEN CHANGED.

I

6

t was a normal day at work.

Except I’d left my office in central London at bit later than usual, at about 6.10pm, and stopped off on the way home to buy a train ticket to visit my sister on the south coast.

So, by the time I arrived back at the train station near my north London home, it was just gone 7pm on Monday 9 May, 1994.

There were lots of other people waiting at the bus stop by the underpass as I walked through it, as I did every night.

Inside, a lad who looked in his teens came towards me.

He was wearing a pair of jogging bottoms and had shaggy, mouseycoloured hair.

His blue eyes stared straight at me – everything happened really quickly after that…

He came up close to my face.

Terrified, I tried to back away from him.

‘Go away!’ I said loudly.

His flies were undone and his penis was sticking out.

He pushed me to the ground, and I felt the cold concrete against my face, tried desperately to fight him off.

But my petite 5ft 2in frame was no match for his strength.

He fumbled with my tights and knickers.

Then, right then and there, he raped me.

I’m going to die tonight, I thought.

Then he stood up and started masturbating close to my head.

I turned my face away as he ejaculated onto my hair.

I felt sick. Then he disappeared,

leaving me My heart racing, I grabbed my things and started shouting at passers-by, ‘I’ve just been raped!’

But no one stopped to help.

I ran to my parents’ house.

‘I need to call the police,’ I panted when Dad opened up.

I dialled 999.

‘I’ve been raped,’ I told an officer.

When Mum saw the state I was in, she desperately tried to rub the semen off my hair.

‘Don’t!’ I said.

‘That’s evidence.’

I’d seen a TV programme about DNA being used to trap criminals.

I knew that preserving the evidence was important.

The police arrived fast, but, overcome with shock, I collapsed

I turned my face away and felt sick

Sucking on my inhaler, I tried to tell the police what had happened.

‘We need to take you to a rape suite to be examined,’ the officers explained to me.

They cut some of my hair and kept it as evidence.

As they sent a hel for the rapist, Mum in the police car.

At the rape suite, noted down my brui swabs, cut more sam of my hair and gave the morning-after pi It wasn’t until I go home hours later tha could finally go to th and have a shower.

But no amount of could get rid of how Utterly repulsed, I couldn’ even bear to look at myself i

bathroom mirror.

And it was only back home that I cried for the first time, utterly heartbroken and devastated.

That night, I barely slept, and, the next day, a policewoman got me to I knew I had to preserve the evidence in my hair

R EAL LIFE

HA

He pleaded not guilty to raping me

He’d been lurking in the dark

RUSSELL CHANDLE R mak ‘Have you got a boyfriend?’ she asked me.

‘No,’ I replied.

‘And I don’t think I’ll ever have one again now.’

Who would ever want me now I’m so dirty? I thought.

In the days that followed, I was terrified of being on my own.

Police searched for my attacker, even published a Photofit.

A few weeks on, I was prescribed antidepressants, and I forced myself to go back to work.

But, even at 34 years of age, I needed Dad to walk me to the train station. Being near where the attack had happened filled me with sheer

terror every time.

And I couldn’t set foot into the underpass again.

With each year that passed, I was more and more baffled that the police hadn’t caught the man.

Eventually, I moved into my own flat.

It was two years after the attack before I started having relationships with men again.

But, as 21 long years passed, the shadow of the rape never went away.

Then, in July 2015, two police officers came to my flat.

‘Are you Alice?’ one asked me.

‘Yes,’ I replied.

‘We’ve come about an incident in

The pain never went away

1 4, she went on.

‘We’ve got the man. He’s been picked up for something different, but his DNA is a match to your attacker... Would you be willing to

S

I was amazed.

Sadly, my dad had died seven years earlier, and my mum has dementia, so they’d never know the man had been caught.

In September that year, my relief turned to terror when Russell Simon Chandler pleaded not guilty to one count of raping me, and the attempted rape of another girl, two days after me.

I was so terrified of having to speak in court.

But I eventually agreed to do it from behind a screen.

So, in December 2015, Russell Chandler, who was a 41-year-old tube driver, appeared at Harrow Crown Court.

He admitted two counts of indecent assault, but maintained he wasn’t guilty of the charges of rape and attempted rape.

I tried to talk calmly as I was cross-examined.

I’d waited so long for justice, I had to do my best…

Russell Chandler was found guilty of both my rape and the attempted rape.

He was later sentenced to 13 years for the rape and nine-and-ahalf years for the attempted rape – and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

I was grateful to the police for catching him after 21 years.

And proud of myself, too.

It had been a long time coming, but finally, I felt powerful.

Finally, I’d got the justice that I deserved.

‘We were determined’

ay Scudder, reviewing lawyer for Crow Prosecution Service London, said: ‘Russell Chandler may have thought he got away with these terrible crimes, but he has now been convicted. He pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the two women, but was not prepared to admit that he had raped one of them and attempted to rape the other. We were determined that he would be held responsible…and proceeded with the case to trial. More than 20 years after their terrifying ordeals, the victims showed great bravery in giving evidence against their attacker in court.’

7

Sudoku

FUN

To solve the puzzles, each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. The numbers in the highlighted squares will give you the answers.

1

7

9

1

6

9

9 7 1

2

STILL

Just for

8

1 2

1 3 9 6

6 8

5 2

Kathleen Maher, 47, from Jarrow, passed out, then woke up to a shock…

6 8 2 5

M

y mum Madge, 88, sat in her armchair, gripped by her favourite game show, while I slumped on the sofa feeling sick.

Bless her, I thought.

It was February 2018, and even though she was nearly 90 and in the grip of dementia, Mum was still lovely company to have.

As for me, I’d been laid up with a virus for a few days.

The doctor said a bug had been going around, and I’d had to take time off from my secretarial job.

Still, it’d been nice to spend time with Mum. Me and my brother Anthony, 54, were her live-in carers.

She’d spent most of her life looking after me and my six brothers, so now it was the least we could do.

We’d take her out for the day and treat her to fish and chips by

7 9 3

Your answer________________________ 2

6

2

3

4

8

I’d been in a coma for a month

7

4 9 2 5 3 6 4 4 3 1 5 5 1 8 7 3 4 1 7

6

Your answer________________________

4

7 6 2 5

5

1

9 2 6 7 3 9 4 6 2 8 8 6 2 4 2 4 3 1 6 3 1

Your answer________________________ 8

My family got me through it

Answers on page 61

WORDS BY HARRIET ROSE-GALE IMAGES: SWNS

4

3

the coast.

Just doing all the things she enjoyed doing.

Now, yawning, I pulled myself up and went to make Mum’s bed.

Only, as I plumped up her pillows, I felt light-headed.

Then suddenly, I crashed to the floor with a thud.

The next thing I knew, I was wakin up at Sunderland Royal Hospital, the faces of all my brothers staring down at me.

I tried to speak, but no sound came out of my mouth.

I couldn’t even raise my head.

‘It’s OK,’ my brother Michael, 63, soothed.

But it wasn’t OK. Not only was I in hospital, but a whole month had gone by while I’d been in an induced coma.

Michael explained to me that I’d suffered sepsis, pneumonia and had multiple organ failure. It wasn’t just

L

EAL LIFE

I hated it

a standard bug after all.

‘The veins in your limbs have collapsed,’ he said.

He looked tearful.

The doctors hadn’t expected me to survive.

Over the next few days, I continued to slip in and out of consciousness.

Eventually, I was awake more than I was asleep, but my arms and legs felt like dead weights.

Peering down, I saw they were grey, turning black.

Like chunks of coal.

Then, a doctor came to see me…

‘All your blood went to your vital organs to keep you alive,’ he explained to me.

It meant my arms and legs had been starved of the oxygen they needed.

I had necrosis – my limbs were dead.

‘If we don’t remove them, it could kill you,’ the doctor said gently.

I’d had a tube fitted into my windpipe to help my lungs recover, so I couldn’t speak to answer.

Instead, tears just trickled down my cheeks.

How can this be happening?

As Mum was so poorly, my

Stronger every day brothers hadn’t told her much about my condition.

She just thought I was very ill – not realising her only daughter was on the brink of death.

I missed her so much.

Then, in April 2018, surgeons took me down to theatre as Michael and John, 64, walked beside me.

‘You’ll get through this,’ Michael croaked.

I nodded, but I couldn’t stop crying, shaking with fear.

During the procedure, surgeons removed my legs below the knee.

I later had another op to remove my arms below the elbow.

The next few days were a blur as I was pumped with medication and

It was the choice of my limbs or my life

step at a time.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I had clearly survived for a reason.

My brothers kept me company, chatting about my nieces and nephews.

I worked hard with a physiotherapist to get myself into a wheelchair.

And finally, in October 2018, I was allowed out to see Mum. ‘Kathy!’ she beamed, kissing my cheek.

She barely registered my missing limbs, reating me just the same.

Weeks later, doctors tted me with prosthetic mbs, but to begin with, it was so hard to do nything for myself.

Eventually, thanks to e nurses and physio, I managed to feed myself.

Even make a cup of tea!

I used a walking frame go to the loo.

It was exhausting ough, and I was sperate to get home to end time with Mum. But family kept me ing throughout it all.

Where have the doctors your hands and feet?’ six-year-old nephew ed me when visiting.

Well, I think they had to he bin,’ I d at him. ing made rything more earable for me.

However, my family had another hurdle to battle.

In April 2019, Mum was just assed away out of it.

Positive mind acefully.

I could was absolutely still feel roken not to myself by her side, moving m but she lived a long and and fingers, even fulfilled life – I was just proud to call though I knew they were no her my mum. longer there.

Whilst I was going to miss her, I At one point, a nurse lifted me up so I could see my bandaged stumps. was soon able to leave hospital where I could start to rebuild my life ‘I don’t want to look,’ I wept, as with my new prosthetic limbs. she undid the bandages.

Now, I live in an adapted Slowly opening my eyes, I saw bungalow with Anthony. the ends of my arms.

It’s been a long journey and every Red raw, covered in stitches and day is a challenge, but slowly I’m staples – I hated them. getting there.

My legs were the same.

Doctors say it’s a miracle I’m still How could I live like this? alive and living a full life.

Only, as the days went on, my So, I’m going to make the most of mood lifted. it, no matter what.

I’ll get there, I told myself. One

9

You t coll t wha

Mark Maggs, 28, from Henbury, is a Guinness World Record holder for his humongous collection…

W

hethe inspire intens passio mere entertainme people love to colle sorts of things. We’ve all heard of people who collect stamps, ticket stubs, teddy bears, Pokemon cards or even snow globes. These collections, however, are truly extraordinary!

S

My amazing collection

Vintage lifestyle blogger Kate Beavis, 47, from Bedfordshire, has collected hundreds of quirky handbags over the years…

WORDS BY NIA DALTON PHOTOS: SWNS

R

10

ubbing my bump, I ruffled through the second-hand gems at a local jumble sale.

‘This one is beautiful!’ I said to my husband Adam, now 46.

It was 2008 and I was on maternity leave from work with our first baby.

Hunting for vintage treasures, I had started to buy and sell handbags on eBay. Along the way, I ended up keeping the special ones.

‘I can’t sell this one, it’s far too unique!’ I said to Adam.

That’s how it all began...

You see, some people collect coins, others keep train tickets and cinema receipts – I collect quirky vintage handbags.

Ticking 1960s designers off my list, I scan vintage shops, jumble sales and charity stores.

‘You’ve got far too many,’ my husband sighs, as I admire my kitsch Princess Charming 50s bag with poodles on the

huffling the cards and handing them out, I played Sports Cars Top Trumps with my family.

‘Top speed: 198mph,’ I read out.

It was 2002, and I’d just been gifted my first pack of Top Trumps.

That was 18 years ago, and ever since I have been collecting Top Trumps in my spare time.

When I was younger, it was just the odd pack to play with.

If I saw them in shops or in a

Passion for fashion

cellophane.

He doesn’t also in my bedroom even know half – these are my most of them. precious vintage But what he bags such as my doesn’t know, They make a Lucite ones. won’t hurt him! beautiful display The advantage of Plus, that this is that they are doesn’t stop him always out of reach of my kids’ buying me vintage handbags for sticky fingers!

Christmas and birthdays.

I love that I can see them and Over the past decade, I’ve purchased hundreds of gorgeous appreciate them as a collection.

And my mother-in-law bought bags and stored them here, there me the cabinet from a local and everywhere. charity shop.

My favourite handbags with ‘The atomic patterns and the interesting fronts are hung on the splayed legs are fab!’ I said to her, grey wall in our bedroom. dusting it straight away.

These are mainly windowpane The rest of my handbag bags such as Princess Charming collection is stored in trunks and bags and Enid Collins totes. suitcases piled by my bed.

‘Do they not get dusty?’ my This works really well for friends ask. clutch bags and purses.

They do, but I simply clean If I had to choose a favourite them from time to time with a bag, it would be difficult. feather duster.

I’ve got an American 60s box I display my box bags in a bag by Enid Collins that’s hand vintage 1950s cocktail cabinet

ainted with jewels.

Hunting a car boot sale once, I came across a leather shoulder bag with a bamboo handle.

It’s about 30 years older than a Gucci.

All of my vintage bags have a story to tell, which is why I love them.

My 1940s telephone bags have colourful winding wires on them.

After the war, they had very little disposable money to spend, so it’s extraordinary how these bags turned out.

Although I do have vintage Chanel, I prefer the more rare and unique brands – that way, fewer people own them.

Unlike many collectors, I do use my handbags.

I take them off the wall, wear them for a while and then pick a different one when I’m bored.

The precious ones I keep for special occasions, like parties.

There is something almost safe about vintage fashion.

It is nostalgic, more ethical and holds value.

Some of them even go up in value over time.

If I need a little cash, I can sell them online.

My daughter isn’t into handbags, but one day it would be nice to pass them down or give them to someone that loves them as much as I do.

For now, I’ll continue to hunt for quirky and over the top gems.

Shh, don’t tell my husband!

Follow Kate’s collection on her style blog www.katebeavis.com.

pocket money.

Gumball, Smash Hits Pop Stars, Shrek 2 and Shrek 4 – it was just a bit of fun.

Eventually, I had loads and it turned into a fun hobby collecting Top Trumps.

Scanning Amazon and eBay for retro and fun Top Trumps, I added them to my basket.

From Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Lord of the Rings and Toy Story, I had a range of films and books.

There’s statistics, biographies and a huge range of subjects such as volcanoes, dinosaurs, wonders of the world and animals.

Most of them only cost a fiver, so compared to other collectors, it wasn’t a very expensive past time.

But then I got into buying the limited-edition Top Trumps and rare packs and they were a lot

I

Once, a rare Postman Pat one cost me £40 with postage.

One of my favourites is the Steven Irwin limited edition pack from Australia Zoo – I bought those directly from Australia and got them shipped over.

‘What do you need?’ my family and friends always ask when it’s my birthday and Christmas.

They make a great, affordable gift and I’m always on the hunt for new packets to add to my collection.

Ordering a Coronation Street Top Trumps online, I stored it in my drawers at home.

I don’t play them so much now, but I find enjoyment in collecting them in my spare time.

Unlike some other collectibles,

It all started as a bit of fun

BARBIE

Tristan Pineiro, 47, from London, was gifted his first collectors’ item from his gran…

S BY NIA DALTON IMAGES: SWNS

P

laying with my action men, I dressed them up in their camouflage outfits and chunky boots.

It was the late-1970s, and at six years old I was obsessed with all my figurines.

Back in the day, they were expensive, and I really treasured my toys.

‘Your Action Men need girlfriends,’ my gran told me.

And then she gifted me my first ever Sindy doll.

Holding the glamorous, plastic little diva, I fell in love with dolls.

And I’ve been collecting them ever since...

As I’ve grown up, my collection of dolls has grown, too.

Hunting around charity shops, car boot sales and eBay, I find all different kinds of dolls, accessories and outfits.

Some are more expensive if they’re rare or limited edition, and others are as cheap as chips.

When I moved into an artment in London, I decided to do something eyecatching with them all.

They’ll make a cool ay, I thought. ting apartment blocks on alls, I had fun designing a

people come to visit, they are either completely terrified or fascinated by it.

If I had to choose a favourite doll, it would be the old-school 1970s and 80s ones.

They’re a bit quirkier and vintage than the modern ones.

However, when I can afford to, I buy the limited-edition dolls.

I recently bought the chic, new collectors Barbies.

The more expensive dolls stay in their boxes on bookshelves.

If they’re kept in good condition, they’ll be worth a lot of money.

Some dolls even sell for £600 each!

I’d love to pass my collection down

giant dolls house of sorts.

Each block has a different theme and scene – from hairdressers to a gym to a caravan and kitchen – there’s a room for everything.

If you have a peer in one block, you’ll see Barbies getting ready in a pineapple-printed bathroom, in another you’ll see Action Men partying with disco balls.

There’s Sindy dolls hunting through mini wardrobes, Barbies watching TV in the living room and G.I. Joe’s dining like cannibals around the dinner table.

Ken’s classic slogan ‘Do you wanna go for a ride, Barbie?’ has quite literally come to life in my doll’s car scene.

I’ve got over 500 dolls in total, they’re all kinds of different figurines, from Ghostbusters, to Star Wars to Wonder Woman and many more.

My walls are bright, colourfu It’s unique and tell a story – way more and different interesting than standard hous décor and wallpaper.

I think that’s the best part about my collection – they’re visually and aesthetically pleasing, and fun!

I enjoy dressing the dolls up, painting their faces and getting inventive with themes. When

for the largest collection of Top Trumps online.

Alongside the world’s biggest dress, largest crocodile and longest beard, I had made a world record!

And then my collection didn’t stop there.

Determined, I continued to buy Top Trump packets and my number grew.

I’ve got over 450 packs now and I’m aiming to reattempt the record next year.

My 2019 title was only online, not in the book, and I’d love to make it to the Guinness World Record Gamer’s Edition 2021 book.

I like having a hobby that simple and affordable.

I’m the top dog in th of Top Trumps, an Who knows doing with all of Trumps packs.

For now, I’ll conti stack them up and w records!

IA DALTON PHOTOS: SWNS AND ALAMY

TOP

Top Trumps are small and easy to store – they don’t take up much room at all.

I wonder if I could win a world record with these? I thought one day last year.

Looking at my colourful collection, I must have hundreds.

I’d known people who had collected them, but nowhere near as many as me.

I couldn’t find the current world record online, so I contacted Winning Moves to find out.

To send off my application, I had to list every pack I owned and photograph them.

Flicking through Barbie, Mary Rose and Rugby Stars, I jotted them down.

Starting with launch dates of 2001, leading up to 2019, I had 300 packs in total!

I sent them off to be verified and patiently waited.

And on 8 July 2019, I was officially the World Record Holder

one day.

My two nieces love playing with Barbie dolls.

I’m yet to show them my apartment collection.

I think they’ll go wild!

To me, dolls are nostalgic and I love the aesthetic of them in my apartment.

Life in plastic, it’s fantastic!

Imagination, life is your creation!

My hobby is therapeutic

11

LIFESTYLE

MEN

CELE

International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March 2020. To celebrate, we are looking back at some of the most historic moments for women.

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY?

AND SWNS

F

ounded in 1911 by the almighty Suffragettes, International Women’s Day is a global focus on equality for women. Whilst it means different things to different people, the celebration is clear. Throughout history, women have worked tirelessly to redress inequality in the hope of a better future for their communities, children and themselves. Whether through bold well-documented action or through humble resistance that made it into the history books, women have a long-standing history of united equality. To this day, International Women’s Day is a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for gender equality, while celebrating the s al achievements of women.

WORDS BY HANNAH POON IM

Women unite

1

‘W women hen suppor t each ot h er, incredi ble can ha things ppen.’

A light in the dark

I

n July 1997, Malala Yousafzai was born in Pakistan.

Her father was a teacher and ran an all-girls school in her village. However, when the Taliban took over, they enforced a ban on girl’s education. As the daughter of a such a loved teacher, Malala enjoyed going to school and at 15, she publicly spoke out on women’s rights to education. However, her speech didn’t go down well and as a resul bus and shot t the head. Aga survived and a she moved to became a fier the fight for w just 17-years-o the youngest receive a Nob in 2014. Today studying Philo and Economic University of O

‘Little girls s with dream become h women wit vision.’

So strong

Overcoming hardship.

A

‘She believed could, sshe she did o .’

A FIRST FOR WOMEN

T

hroughout history, women have been showing just what we can be capable of. Breaking stereotypes and creating a new independent one, women have done some truly amazing work.

And here are some who will go down in the history books for creating a first for women.  Margaret Thatcher – the UK’s first female Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990.  Hillary Clinton – the first woman to run for US President in 2008 and 2016.

 Oprah Winfrey – the first African-American woman to read main news live on broadcast.  Meghan Markle - the first ethnic minority woman to enter the British Royal Family.  Marie Curie – the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her contributions to science in 1903.  Junko Tabei – the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1975.  Valentina Tereshkova – th first woman to go to space i 1963.

fter suffering a nervous breakdown, Sara Reader’s life fell apart. She was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and she soon turned to alcohol and prescribed drugs to help.

Thankfully, she had the support of her family and friends, but after being forced to give up her job, things weren’t easy. However, months later, Sara decided it was time to What a woman do something positive and became a volunteer for Cheltenham Sara knows how it feels Open Door. It was a and does everything she place for vulnerable, can to help. disadvantaged and lonely In 2019, she was people to visit. awarded the Top 100 25-years-on, Sara West Women of the Year is now the official and we’re not surprised! charity coordinator and She’s an inspiring dedicates her time to woman who you should helping others in need. all know about!

She provides food, drink and shelter for those who need it. But she does so much more than that. After battling mental health herself,

‘Sometim it takes b es, alls to be a woman. ’

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVE

W

hilst there have been some inspiring women in politics, science and the economy, International Women’s Day is so much more than that. It celebrates all women from all backgrounds. You don’t have to be a world speaker or activist to be an inspiring woman. So, on 8 March you can get involved by taking part in a march, speech or official ev t However, getting together with your clos ds going for a coffee (or wine) and talking ab an empowering woman is just as good a w The small things celebrate. Being a strong and powerful w doesn’t just mean standing up and fighti for equality, but it can be the everyday things – being a mother, wife, sister, auntie, businesswoman. No matter who you choose to be, here’s to strong women – may we know them, may we them, may we raise them.

For all women

13

! s k n i l e i v o M Name the films in which these stars appear together to link Jason Statham with Evangeline Lilly.

Just fo r

FUN

WORT

___

Zu Rafalat, 38, from North London, knew something was wrong. So why wouldn’t doctors listen to her?

___ __________

S

_______ __

14

WORDS BY LAEA MARSHALL IMAGES: SWNS

STOCK IMAGES: ALAMY AND PA

___ ___ ___ ___ ____

etting my rucksack down, I took a deep breath.

‘Home at last,’ I smiled.

Taking in the familiar surroundings of my house, I was a far cry from where I’d been 48 hours earlier – diving with sharks in Costa Rica!

It was January last year, and I’d just returned from an epic holiday.

A risk taker, I’d loved getting close to sharks in the warm sea, spending my time on small boats, and getting to know the locals.

Now, it was back to reality, and the next day, I was due back at work as the managing director of a retail consultancy.

I’ll just get unpacked and then get dinner on, I thought.

But as I leaned over to pick up my bag, I suddenly had a sharp pain in my stomach.

‘Unpacking will have to wait,’ I said to myself, dashing to the loo.

I figured I’d caught a travel bug, thought it would pass in a day.

That night, though, I tossed and turned in bed, writhing in pain.

And over the next few days, I was constantly constipated with a niggling pain in my abdomen.

I went back to work, but I was feeling tired all the time, which was unlike me.

Going to my GP a few days

later, I was told it was just IBS. That can’t be right, I thought.

I’d never had IBS before, had never had any problems with food.

And as the pain in my stomach continued, I went back to the doctor’s surgery, seeing a different GP every week.

And each time, I was told the same thing – it was IBS. Even after a trip to A&E when the pain became too intense, I was told it was just indi estion. Fed up

I plan on living life to the full

R EAL LIFE

TH Treatment is tough

Taking it one day at a time with being fobbed off, on 21 February, I saw a private GP. And finally, someone was listening to me.

As soon as I explained my symptoms, she referred me to a gastro specialist.

‘It could be a problem with your aries,’ she said.

That day, I went to the London linic in Marylebone for a scan.

My GP was right – the ollowing day, specialists told me hey’d found a mass on my ovary.

I sat there in silence as the octor spoke to me – a strange feeling of dread washing over me.

But, never one to take things ying down, I jumped into action.

‘What do we do now?’ I asked.

The following day, I was back at the hospital for a colonoscopy.

And it turns out, the mass on my ovary had been caused by bowel cancer.

‘There’s a tumour in your bowel which has spread to your ovaries,’ my consultant said.

My mind raced – I’d always been so active and healthy –

how could I have cancer?

I knew of other people who’d had cancer before, and most of them had had chemotherapy before undergoing surgery.

But that’s not what I wanted.

‘I just want this tumour out of me,’ I told my consultant.

‘I want surgery now.’

‘It will mean having a full hysterectomy,’ he warned. ‘You won’t ever have children.’

To be honest, I’d not really decided whether I’d wanted kids or not, but this just made the decision for me.

‘That’s fine,’ I said.

‘I just want it out.’

Thankfully, he agreed to go ahead, and just two weeks later, I was back for my surgery.

Over nine hours, surgeons performed a full hysterectomy, where my womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes were removed.

They also removed my spleen, chopped off bits of my bowel, and cut out part of my liver, diaphragm

October, my body stopped absorbing water, and I had to be hospitalised.

‘It’s time to stop the chemo,’ my oncologist said.

‘At this rate, it’s going to kill you faster than the cancer.’

I was relieved, of course, and instantly felt better.

But that didn’t change the fact that after all that, I still had cancer.

I started immunotherapy in December, which I’ll be on for the foreseeable future.

Living with cancer is just something you have to get used to.

It’s like having diabetes – Cancer won’t life will be different, of stop me! course, but I look at it like having a condition, rather than something that’s going to kill me.

Before I got ill, bowel and peritoneum. cancer had never even been on my Waking up in radar, especially at my age. the ICU, I Living with cancer makes you realised that I’d been fitted with a think about things differently.

I used to go through life thinking colostomy bag. nothing bad could happen to me.

Even then, I But it did. tried to be positive I’ve since been in touch with the bout it. charity Bowel Cancer UK. It’s not ideal, I I was surprised how many young ght. But it’s better people are living with the disease, e alternative. many of them terminal because they ly, the surgery were diagnosed too late. had been a success, and nine days My advice would be to get later, I was sent home to recover.

And, a month later, scans showed checked out at the first sign of anything, no matter your age. that the cancer was gone.

And keep pushing for a diagnosis.

To be on the safe side, my doctor I don’t know what the future wanted to continue with chemo. holds for me, but if I hadn’t pushed ‘To kill any remaining cancer my doctors, this could be a very cells we may have missed,’ he said. different story.

So, in April, I had my first round.

We all have to die one day, but I I felt strong and healthy, and with try not to think about that. my tumours now gone, I thought I just take it one day at a time. chemo would be a walk in the park.

How wrong I was.

Over the next few weeks, I rew Together and support suffered with terrible nausea, Bowel Cancer UK this April developed horrible rashes and sores during Bowel Cancer across my body, and my Awareness Month. It’s really digestive system was simple and everyone can get being destroyed. involved – gather your friends, Worried, my family or colleagues, put the oncologist ran tests, and kettle on and make a donation it turned out I had to the charity. The money something called raised from your Brew DPD deficiency.

Together fundraiser will help DPD is an enzyme stop people dying of bowel that breaks down the cancer by funding vital toxic substance in chemotherapy services and lifesaving drugs – and without it, it meant my research. Sign up today at body wasn’t doing this. www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ The chemo was destroying me. brewtogether To make matters worse, a scan in July revealed that my cancer was back – there was now a tumour in my remaining peritoneum.

It was tough to take in.

By my seventh round of chemo in

B

My body was breaking down

15

Check out this amazing advice from our readers...

Cheesy grin Olive you!

Prevent wooden chopping boards from splitting by rubbing with olive oil.

A.Cairns, Essex

An old toothbrush is perfect for tackling those hard to reach corners around your sink. Wet the area with white vinegar and get stuck in!

D. Smith, Stratford

Kitchen hack

I always put my cling film in the fridge, it makes it much more cooperative otherwise it’s a nightmare!

Alexandra, Halesowen

Mark your kids’ shoes s

Working at the car wash

A quick way to clean dust and crumbs off the interior of your car is to run a lint roller over the fabric! Works brilliantly.

Elaine, Reading

Fluffy socks

Marshmallow monster

Place a handful of marshmallows in a Ziplock back and freeze them. When your child hurts themselves, use the bag as an ice pack. They’re much softer than ice packs and don’t leak!

Izzy, Cardiff

No more missing

I often misplace or lose my rings and bracelets, so when I take them off, I slip them onto my watch strap and fasten the clasp. That way all my valuables are sealed together!

Angela, Romford

16

Remove marks from wooden flooring by buffing with a soft sock.

Dampen the sock and add a little baking soda for tough marks!

Leeanne, Coleraine

Saved by the tap

One of my plants was wilting so I fed it with rainwater and it came back to life! Rainwater has natural vitamins, minerals and other good nutrients.

Amanda, Cradley Heath

ARCTIC COFFEE CHEESECAKE

SUPER EASY TIPS

Serves

10-12

T

reat any coffee lover to this show-stopping dessert. The delicious combination of coffee, chocolate and cream is always a winner!

Preparation time: 15 minutes Setting time: 3 hours

This month...

BAKING FROM SCRATCH

These simple steps you to bake impress homemade treats like a pro...

1 Room temperature

Always have the correct butter consistency. Most recipes call for room temperature, so take your butter out one hour prior to baking.

2 Baking is a science For more scrumptious recipes go to www.arcticicedcoffee.co.uk/recipe

I always move my eggs from the egg box into my fridge, and forget their best before date.

So, I started writing the date on the shell with a sharpie.

Jackie, Bournemouth

Although it might be tempting to constantly open and close the oven door to check on your bakes, letting cool air in greatly interrupts cooking.

boil.

3. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, mascarpone and icing sugar, then beat in the Arctic Iced Coffee mixture until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour the cheese mixture over the biscuit base. Spread to level and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to set. Serve with cream, chocolate sauce and extra Biscoff biscuits.

4 Purchase cooling racks

Never let your cakes cool in the hot pan.

Cooling racks stop the cooking process and cool your goods evenly.

5 Parchment paper is your best friend

Always line baking sheets, cake pans and baking dishes with parchment paper to stop sticking sides and help an even bake.

Cherrific!

To stop glacé cherries sinking to the bottom of a cake, I put them in a sieve and rinse with water, cut them in quarters, dry them on kitchen towel and coat them with one tablespoon of flour.

Colleen, Enfiel

Post it notes

I’ve always used post it notes to do a perfect flick of my eyeliner! They work great for painting nail art shapes on your nails too!

Lucy, Chester

6 Bake in the centre

Position the pans as close to the centre of the oven as possible. This allows for air circulation.

7 Always preheat

It’s so easy to place your goods in the oven before it’s finished heating up, but don’t do it! The temperature will highly affect the outcome.

8 Be patient STOCK IMAGES: GETTY AND ALAMY

Good egg

3 Keep your oven door closed

tips - we aven t trie t em ourse ves

the biscuits blender and to fine crumbs. P d butter and blend aga re into a lined, spring f d press down evenly a erate while you make the gelatine in a bowl llow to soak for 5 minu rctic Iced Coffee into a ze out the gelatine an eat slowly, while stirri latine has dissolved.

Remember these are

AKE:

Before beginning baking, read the recipe from start to finish. It sounds silly but knowing a step ahead of you will ensure no mistakes. And weigh everything beforehand!

Never ice a cake until it has been fully cooled or it will slide off the cake and drip. If you’re in a rush, cool your cake in the fridge.

9 Mix in order

Sugar and butter should always be beaten first. Dry ingredients should be combined. Add liquid after. This method creates smooth even mixing.

10 Don’t give up!

Practice makes perfect. Be patient.

17

ITES

A R T T A

Age - and heig ... ck ru st ve lo en h w , 6 2 i, ss u R ah ar S

WORDS BY LUCY BRYANT IMAGES: SWNS AND GETTY

P

18

osing for a pic with a fan, I spotted a mop of greying, brown hair bobbing toward me.

ItÕs him, I realised.

My heart skipped a beat.

Moments later, the man in his 50s pulled his mobility scooter up in front of my stand.

He was funny-looking, a bit on the chubby side!

But, as he flashed me a huge grin, butterflies fluttered.

‘I’m Mason Reese,’ he smiled, holding out his hand.

‘Nice to finally meet you,’ I blushed, bending down to shake it.

It was October 2018 and I was working at a sci-fi convention, signing photos and doing promotional work.

Mason and I had mutual friends and had been chatting on Facebook for a few months before arranging to meet up.

As a model, I was used to men making a beeline for me.

Most of the time, they were smug, arrogant types and I couldn’t wait to get rid of them.

Besides, I preferred older, quirky men.

Like Mason.

At 54, he may not have

been a typically good looking guy, but he was so charming and very charismatic.

And I really fancied him.

As I towered over him in my stilettos, we chatted away.

He was so funny, making me laugh with his crazy stories.

And he had led such an

interesting life as well.

‘I was a child star,’ Mason said.

In the 70s, he’d become a household name, appearing in several famous TV adverts.

He’d won advertising awards, had been plastered on lots of magazine covers.

‘It was mad,’ Mason laughed.

After that, he’d gone on to co-host a variety show – and he was known

e He’d spent the 80s partying, enjoying the showbiz life.

But he’d broken both of his legs in a motorcycle accident in the 1980s, and now could only walk short distances without his scooter.

Before I knew it, I reali we’d been chatting for th whole hours.

‘Fancy a drink?’ I aske ‘Try to stop me,’ he smiled.

An hour later, I was perched on the back of his mobility scooter, as we whizzed off to find a bar.

The wind in my hair, I wrapped my arms around Mason’s waist.

So romantic.

Later, stepping off his scooter, I realised that Mason was only 4ft 10in tall.

At 5ft 3in, I was a good few inches taller than him.

But, after a few drinks, I slipped off my skyscraper heels so he wouldn’t feel awkward. Then, I I hopped on and headed to the bar!

We had loads in common

S

EAL LIFE

We know what we have is real

Mason was a child TV star!

We’ve never been happier! planted a big kiss on his lips.

He was pretty taken aback.

‘You can’t seriously like me?’

Mason laughed, as I gazed into his big brown eyes.

‘I really do,’ I grinned, my heart racing fast.

There was a 28-year age gap between us, but we actually had such a lot i mmon. shared the same of humour, not to on the amazing chemistry! fter that, Mason d I quickly came a couple.

Every few weeks, I’d travel from my hometown in Pittsburgh to stay at Mason’s flat in New York.

‘You’re so cute,’ I’d grin, as we happily scooted around he park together.

‘You’re beautiful,’ he med back. ut strangers would stare when aw us kiss. u two can’t be a couple?’

people would gasp.

‘Why not?’ I’d shrug.

I knew those comments hurt Mason’s feelings a lot.

‘It’s like beauty and the beast,’ he sighed. ‘Are you sure you want to be with a guy like me?’

‘I really care about you, Mason,’ I insisted.

But he didn’t believe me.

Not all his friends trusted me, either.

They thought I was a gold-digger – only with Mason for his money or celeb status.

I couldn’t deny that I’d dated rich men in the past and enjoyed the perks that came with it.

But it was different with Mason.

I was head over heels.

I’d treat him to meals out, bought him a new watch.

Then...

‘I love you,’ I confessed to him that December.

‘I love you, too,’ Mason smiled.

When I told friends that I was dating a much older guy, they were

We can’t deny the sexual chemistry

shocked.

But Mason quickly won them over with his jokes and witty banter.

‘As long as you’re happy,’ my best friend Victor, 40, said.

And I really was.

In December 2018, I took Mason home to meet my parents.

My mum welcomed him with open arms.

And my dad recognised him from TV right away.

But my sister Coralie, 34, couldn’t hide her surprise.

‘Why are you with him?’ she hissed to me.

But as soon as they got chatting, and Mason had her laughing, she’d answered her own question.

‘You two are so sweet together,’

she had to admit.

After a while, no one could deny that, despite our many differences, our relationship just worked.

Even Mason’s sceptical friends can see the love between us.

Now, we’re both so excited for the future.

Neither of us want kids, so that’s not going to be an issue.

As Mason gets older, I’ll be there to help him walk, wash and dress.

I’m happy to do it.

We’re just like any other normal couple, really.

I complain when he talks about politics too much, and he moans about the reality shows I watch.

But every day, we tell each other how much we love each other.

And neither of us have ever been happier – this is true love.

They say love is blind, and I definitely agree.

It was meant to be

ason says: ‘When Sarah expressed interest in M being with me, I was just as

shocked as anybody. But when you meet someone and end up talking for three hours effortlessly, that’s kind of unusual and I think she felt

that way, too. It was meant to be. Obviously we are lovers, but we’re also good friends.

We enjoy being around each other and make each other laugh. It doesn’t matter how old she is, or where she’s from, or anything else.’

19

D

rink Me Chai has five delicious powders to create your own Chai Latte – a warming drink made with black tea and a blend of spices. But you can also use the powders to create some tasty sweet treats!

Drink me Chai superblends are available in Ocado, Wholefoods, Waitrose and Amazon (£3.95). For more recipe inspiration, head over to drinkmechai.co.uk

Chai & raisin jumble loaf OR DOUGH:

7g fast-action dried yeast 500g strong white flour  7g sea salt  2tsp caster sugar  250ml milk  50g unsalted butter  1 medium egg

 75g raisins

FOR FILLING:

 65g light muscovado sugar  1tbsp Drink me Chai Spiced Chai Latte powder  1tsp strong white flour

STOCK IMAGES: GETTY

METHOD:

1. To make the dough, put the flour, yeast, salt & sugar into a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Once mixed create a well in the centre of the bowl.

2. Heat the milk in a plastic jug with the butter, until melted and leave to cool until lukewarm. Add the egg and combine. Add the jug contents to the flour mix & work everything together with your hand to make a soft dough.

3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly dusted worktop & knead for 8 minutes. Scatter the raisins over the dough & knead until distributed evenly throughout the dough.

Return dough to the bowl and leave for an hour to rise.

4. To create the filling, mix all of the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Roll out dough to a rectangle (30 x 40cm) and then brush with milk and sprinkle filling evenly across the surface of the dough. Roll the dough up like a Swiss roll, making sure to pinch the ends to close the seam.

5. Cut the roll into 14 slices and then slice each of them in half once again (to create a semi-circle shape).

6. Arrange a layer of dough into the bottom of a lined loaf tin (900g). Add the rest of the pieces in a ‘jumbled’ fashion, making sure you don’t flatten the pieces.

7. Cover the tin with clingfilm and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Towards the end of this final prove, heat your oven to 180°C Fan. 8. Uncover the loaf, brush gently with milk and bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown. delicious bake with a cup of chai. Yum!

20

Family run Drink Me Chai donate a percentage of profits from every product sold to Pratham, a charity teaching disadvantaged children in India.

Chai latte banana bread 140g butter 70g caster sugar 70g Drink Me Chai Spiced Chai Latte powder  2 eggs

Serve w pomegith sweet ranate

 140g self-raising flour  1 tsp baking powder  2 bananas, mashed  Handful dried banana chips

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and line a 2lb loaf tin. Cream the butter, sugar and Spiced Chai powder until light and fluffy in a mixer or very thoroughly by hand.

2. Beat the eggs together and slowly add them into the mixture, then add a little flour and stir. Fold in the remaining flour, baking powder and bananas (these must be very mushy).

3. Pour into the prepared tin and add either banana chips or lay a half banana on top. Bake for about 30 mins until a skewer comes out clean.

4. Cool in the tin for 10 mins, then remove carefully to a wire rack.

5. Serve with coconut yoghurt and some pomegranate . . . and a cup of Chai Latte! A lovely treat for break time or dessert.

d e c r u o s m s e c i p S ctly fro dire ndia!

I

Chai and pistachio muffins FOR MUFFINS:

 250ml milk  1tbsp lemon juice  115g plain flour  85g wholemeal flour  175g light brown sugar  1tsp baking powder  1tsp baking soda  2tbsp Dink Me Chai Spiced Chai Latte powder  65ml rapeseed oil  1tsp vanilla extract  1 large egg  30g pistachios, chopped

FOR ICING:

 60g icing sugar  1/2tsp vanilla extract  2-3tsp water

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C and line a muffin tray with muffin cases. Pour the milk into a bowl and add the lemon juice, then set aside for 3 minutes. Then stir in the oil, vanilla & egg into the lemon/milk bowl.

2. In a separate bowl mix together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and Chai Latte powder.

3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry all at once and scoop the batter into the lined muffin tray. Then sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the mixture.

4. Bake for 16-18 minutes and leave to cool completely.

5. To make the icing glaze mix together the icing sugar and vanilla extract and add water until you reach the right consistency. drizzle on cooled muffins.

21

e l b m u j d r Wo

Colombia are the only countries where oss is more likely to be what? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six titles of bosses or overseers. Then read down the yellow squares for the answer.

1 C D 2 3 F 4 E 5 S 6

________

Brick trick 8

6

3

A

6

R 1

T 2

7

1

5

6 WORK LIST 7 THESPIAN 8 CARD BOX 9 DRAWN JOKE

Your answer________________________________________ 22

N T O O I G N L F

T R I N P N O W L

FENCING GOLF NETBALL POLO POOL

2

3

4

5

1 WITH ONE FOOT EITHER SIDE 2 BITING HUMOUR 3 OGLE 4 EVALUATE

I S L W N L A E P

O A G N I V I D O

N D N S K I I N G

ROWING SKIING SUMO SWIMMING TENNIS

Your answer____________________ ________________________________ ____________________________

3

9

M O U I I B C O T

acon ed from a pub in uth London because she has been getting tipsy and head butting other drinkers. Who is Frances? Solve the crossword, then read down the yellow squares to find the answer.

7

5

D W X M T N O Y N

Just f or

e n o e l t t i l e h T

4

2

A O I E O L G I C

BADMINTON BOXING CYCLING DARTS DIVING

juken’ is a Swedish word for bad feet caused by wearing trendy what? To find out, solve the puzzle… Enter the answers to the clues in the grid. Every word is an anagram of its neighbours, plus or minus a letter. Read the shaded squares in number order for the answer.

8

B G N I M M I W S

4. RAN GAME 5. MERE PLOY 6. VIRUS POSER

Your answer________

4

ond received a y medicine at a New York university e of his talent at which sport? The answer is the one missing from the grid below.

M

1. FIX ETHIC, CUE EVE (5,9) 2. CIDER ROT 3. ONE FARM

1

h c r a e s d r Wo

6 7 8

N

ACROSS 1 Writing instrument (3) 3 Mend, repair (3) 5 Period of rule of a monarch (5) 7 Illuminated (3) 8 Plead for handouts (3) DOWN 1 Pastry case (3) 2 Banishment from your country (5) 3 Cook in oil (3) 4 Small but industrious insect (3) 6 Pop concert (3)

Your answer___________________________________

Answers on page 6

re a s g i P an e l c y l l actua ls and a anim o bathe rt prefe ater to in w d! mu Pigs snu g close to gle ea other a ch prefer t nd os nose to leep nose

Piggy in the middle

IG

Camera hog

Sunday 1 March marks International Pig Day! These adorable little faces make it easy to see why people celebrate‌

There are aro und 2 billion pigs in the world and in Denmark the re are twice as m any pigs as people !

very e e r a Pigs t and ar gen o be i l l e t n i ht t n g u o h t tha r e t r sma hildren, c young nd even dogs a rimates! p some

STOCK IMAGES: GETTY AND PA

You can pigs on find contine every n world e t in the xcept fo r Antarc tica

Total babe

23

For more r e visit aldic.cipoe ideas .uk

Am I the one for him?

ALDI’S MINESTRONE ONE POT

Traditional one-pot minestrone reci full of fresh veg & seasonal flavours

INGREDIENTS

 1 large onion  ½ butternut squash  2 large carrots  ½ savoy cabbage  2 celery sticks  1 large courgette  2 garlic cloves  80g spinach leaves  400g tin chopped tomatoes

STOCK IMAGES: GETTY

METHOD:

24

 400g mixed bea drained  2 vegetable stock cubes  50g tomato purée  2 tsp dried oregano  2 tsp Paprika  ½ tsp ground black pepper  Sea salt  50ml olive oil  1 litre boiling water

1. Peel and finely chop the onion, squash and carrots.

Wipe and then chop the celery finely. Peel and mince the garlic.

2. In a large pan, sauté the onion, garlic and celery in the olive oil for a few minutes then add the chopped carrots and squash.

3. Add the water and tomatoes, then crumble over the stock cubes. Bring to the boil, stirring as you cook.

4. Add the tomato purée, paprika, oregano and pepper, then season with some salt and cook for 15 minutes.

5. Shred the cabbage and chop the courgette finely, then add to the pan and coo further 8 minutes. Add the bean the pan.

6. Slice the spinach leaves roughly and add to the pan.

Cook for another 5 minutes then serve.

Would it be a good test to take?

M

y boyfriend has suggested we take a break. He says that he wants to be with me, but t make sure we’re right for each other, should see other people. Should I con Grace, Glasgow

YES

Pick Me Up! reader Ellie from Dorset says: In reality, you like him and he’s questioning whether he wants to be with you.

So there really is no point insisting he stay.

I’d suggest you do what he says and when he comes crawling back, realising what a fool he’s been, he’ll really have to win your heart!

And you’ll know for sure that he’s the right person for you.

NO

Pick Me Up! reader Kelly from Birmingham says: I’d be so offended if my boyfriend said to me that he wants to sleep with other people to ‘check’ that I’m the right one.

I think this is a lucky escape for you. He certainly is not the man you want to spend the rest of your life with.

And if you’re considering seeing others, you don’t feel the way about him that you think you do.

Your boyfriend doesn’t want a break! He wants out but doesn’t have the guts to tell you. What he probably wants is to sleep with other people whilst keeping you on ice in case he doesn’t find anyone better out there. You both deserve to be in situations that make you really happy so I would give him his break – a permanent one – and focus on finding someone who wants to be with you and only you. Release your boyfriend to the life he wants.

JO SAYS:

dilemmas nternational Executive Coach of the Year, Confidence & Human Behaviour Expert Jo Emerson answers your questions. Grab her book Flying for Beginners: A Proven System for Lasting Se Why should I bother?

A taste of her own medicine?

W

hen my friend is single, we’re inseparable but when she starts dating, I don’t hear from her until she’s single again. Next time she does it, should I just ignore her and show her what it feels like? Carly, Leeds

NO

Pick Me Up! reader Hayley from Hull says:

I totally understand why you’re hurt but rather than just doing the same thing back to her, you need to sit down and tell your friend just why it’s so hurtful.

She might be so caught up she hasn’t got a clue!

Then, when she knows how much is upsets you, and she does it again, you have every right to decide to cut her off until the penny finally drops.

Will we ever bond?

Should I admit I’m scared?

L

ast year, my husband and I adopted a young girl. I’m going through all the motions a mum should, but I just don’t have the connection with her that I thought I would.

I feel distraught. Should I tell someone? Naomi, Cornwall

JO SAYS: Two wrongs do not make a right so I m not sure your idea will work. I think you’d be better off telling her how you feel and asking her to consider a more balanced life when she’s in a new relationship.

She might not be able to do this because she sounds like someone who loses her head when she falls for someone.

Love can be a drug for many people, and they can’t help but be single minded when they find a new mate.

So, I think you’re better off focussing on what you can change within your friendship circle – work on expanding it so that you aren’t lonely when she’s in a new relationship.

YES

Pick Me Up! reader Viki, South Wales says: Some mums feel this way even if they’ve given birth, so you really mustn’t be so hard on yourself.

You’ve probably raised your expectations too high.

Being a mum is hard work! And there’s often little time to really reflect on your emotions.

But the important thing is to talk to someone – whether its your partner, friends, family or even support groups.

No one will judge you. They’ll just want to help.

NO

Pick Me Up! reader Jennifer from Liverpool says:

I do think you should tell someone, but perhaps give it time.

Have you tried different ways to connect with your new daughter?

There are so many activities you could try first and perhaps you should focus on those, rather than the rush of emotion you’re anxiously waiting for.

Right now, you’re trying to force something that will come naturally given time. Of course, if this doesn’t change, you must confide in someone.

JO SAYS:

Please please please talk to someone because it sounds like you have a version of post natal depression or PTSD and talking therapy will help you with this.

Becoming a parent is utterly overwhelming whether you grew that child in your body or not.

The connection you seek is probably buried under layers of other stuff that you can release in therapy and move past.

There is no shame in how you feel – your honesty is admirable and I promise you these feelings will pass. Good luck.

IMAGES: GETTY

YES

Pick Me Up! reader Tess from Lincoln says: I think she’s behaved terribly and although I don’t think you should ditch the friendship all together, ignoring her for a while will get the message across.

You can’t be a ‘part time’ mate or feel like someone is pressing the pause button while something better comes along.

Don’t jump the next time she clicks her fingers and really test her friendship.

25

DAYS OUT So much to see

et g n a c You nd a d e v l invo hese help t ls! anima

On 3 March, it’s World Wildlife Day. So, why not celebrate by visiting some of your favourite friends at these top attractions that specialise in conservation and animal care.

LONDON ZOO, LONDON

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ondon Zoo has one of the biggest conservation initiatives in the country. In order to tackle the threats and challenges facing wild animals, they have a three-point focus, which allows them to inspire future generations, inform the world and empower communities. With thousands of animals that are carefully looked after and homed, London Zoo provides some of the best enclosures for their friends. With acres of land, their inhabitants can freely roam and enjoy their large space.

So whether you want to feed your favourite donate to the cause or even a little friend, London Zoo is a at way to get involved in an elfare and conservation!  Prices from £25.20  www.zsl.org/zsl-london

Great care!

Their first cub

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Protecting endangered animals

PORT LYMPNE, KENT

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et ready to see over 900 rare and endangered animals, go on a safari, see Kent’s only giraffe, spectacular bears, the inosaur collection and so much more. u will be transported to the sia to see animals roaming re on foot to see big cats, ates, gorillas and many before discovering life toric creatures in Dinosaur haven for many rare and gered animals, their care is he heart of everything the rk offers. With your ticket, u will help to fund not ly the care of the animals ort Lympne, but also their ojects. Thanks to the money have released more than to the wild, including some e park! Rhinos, gibbons and imals that have benefited ympne.

S

UPERSIZED! is an astonishing larger than life brick adventure that will feature up to 40 models of curious reallife creatures with an explosion of colour and size. Soon to ecome home to dozens ew species, ell Zoo will he first attraction in the world to host a brand-new collection of supersized toy brick creatures this year. Home to hundreds of animals, the conservation park will host this immersive feature which has been created with more than two million toy bricks.

From sneaky predators to tiny bugs, these species will be blown up to SUPERSIZE! From 4 April to 3 September, visitors can see this wonderful creation with their standard zoo ticket.  Prices from £18 Extra large  www.marwell.org.uk

CHESSINGTON ZOO, SURREY

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ome face-to-face with over 1,000 exotic animals including lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys, penguins and sea lions.

In 2018, Chessington Zoo launched Land of the Tiger, an innovative big cat enclosure with Europe’s first overhead trails that has become home to four new endangered Amur tigers – Tsar, Kyra, Olga and Kalinka – who are thriving following their arrival from Sweden. If it’s penguins you’re after, visit Penguin Bay – home to Chessington’s Humbolt penguins and a firm favourite among their visitors! There’s so much for you to see at Chessington and since launching their Conservation Fund in 2011, they have raised money to help protect the future of nature and wildlife through conservation. from £11 hessington.com

Fun for all!

A step in the right direction

SEAL SANCTUARY, CORNWALL

BRISTOL ZOO, BRISTOL

V

isit the African penguin or go to the Meerkat Lookout at Bristol’s famous zoo. Not only do they home an array of aquatic and mainland species, but they are doing great things for world conservation. The Bristol Zoological Society have carried out conservation projects in five continents across the world that are underpinned by scientific research. They also undertake conservation and science projects in the main zoo. From helping the ever shrinking Kordofan giraffe in Central Africa, to raising awareness of the Desertas wolf spider. Bristol Zoo really is at the heart of worldwide conservation. So, wander aro zoo and see some of your fav friends, whilst taking part in talks, feeds and lectures on these wonderful creatures.  Prices from £9.08  www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Worldwide care

V

isit this Sea Life Trust sanctuary to see the amazing work that they do to help rescue and provide expert care for sick, injured and distressed seals and other marine animals. At the sanctuary, you can visit the main Convalescence Pool to meet their resident grey seals. Each carrying their own unique story, these seals are being restored to health before being released back into the wild. If the animals cannot be released back into their natural habitat due to ill health, then the sanctuary will provide a permanent home and ongoing care for them. Along with seals, there’s penguins, otters and sea lions who are all desperate to see you! Take part in the feeding and attend lectures to learn about the history of each and every animal in the sanctuary.  Prices from £8.75  www.sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org

WORDS BY HANNAH POON IMAGES: ALAMY AND GETTY

SUPERSIZED AT MARWELL ZOO, HAMPSHIRE

im They a n all r to retu seals d rescue into back a the se

See your favourite animals

27

TOPS Camel top, £8, Dorothy Perkins

Belted utility jacket, £40, Simply Be Grey throw on, £26, George at ASDA Khaki shacket, £29, Miss Selfridge

Pleather jacket, £39.99, Bon Prix

loveit

Blazer, £45, Miss Selfridge Top, £35, M&Co

p g

Skirt, £40, M&Co

A

s the seasons transition, you can no longer throw on a heavy, chunky and winter coat. It’s time to freshen your wardrobe with layers, shac and trainers. Follow styling tips from fashion expert Rebecca Ffrancon to switch up your everyday styles with th Chunky trainer, £24.99, Deichmann Cardholder, £12.50, Oliver Bonas

Add some variety to your wardrobe with a pop of colour!

Snake mini bag, £16, George at ASDA Pearl hoops, £4, George at ASDA Purse, £26, Oliver Bonas Mock croc boots, £25, Matalan

28

Tucker white trainers, £35, Miss Selfridge

ACCESSORIES

Swap out jeans for a long skirt!

Pleated skirt, £22.99, New Look

Transition your winter wardrobe...

P

ersonal stylist Rebecca Ffrancon, (www.rebecca ffrancon.com), shares her five tips to transition a winter to spring wardrobe:

Relaxed dungaree, £49, Miss Selfridge

1. Pack the heavy stuff away

BOTTOMS

2. Layer up

Polka pleat skirt, £32, Dorothy Perkins

One-piece make styli quick an easy.

DRESSES Stretchy bodycon dress, £30, Simply Be

As the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, it’s important to layer appropriately. Thin layers are much easier to take on and off. Camisoles, shirts, tops and thin jumpers can all be layered depending on the weather.

3. Jackets

Your big, warm winter duvet coat and snow boots should be packed away in favour of lighter jackets – a blazer, denim jacket, leather biker jacket, raincoat or a shacket (shirt jacket). Blazers are set to be big news this spring, so there will be lots of choice – but blazers aren’t just for 2020, they’re classic and will last the tale of time in your wardrobe for years, so invest in one you love.

Footwear

nkle boots are great for the spring and an be worn with pretty much anything they give a youthful edge to an outfit.

Classic white trainers are also here to tay, so if you don’t have any, get some!

Make sure you have footwear options hat will survive April showers. Often, s a good idea to dress from your shoes r boots) up.

. Hit the shops

Frill dress, £20, George at ASDA Petite tea dress, £30, Miss Selfridge

Now is a great time to go shopping – you’ll get the best of the new season items and more sizes will be available.

If money is tight or if you’re consciously not consuming new for a period of time, use the shops as inspiration and then shop your own wardrobe or the charity shops to recreate looks you like.

WORDS BY NIA DALTON STOCK IMAGES: G TTY

Dad jeans, £16, George at ASDA

When it feels like it’s warmed up enough, it’s time to pack away the warmest of your thick winter knits, thermals and tights. Don’t pack away too much though, about 10% of your wardrobe is for winter only, 10% high summer only, and the rest can be worn for most of the year.

29

r o f Just

rack it

N U F

y r o m e m s u o i c e r p A

British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor has revealed that she’d like to take a course in what skill? To find out, solve the puzzle... Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out the one-word answer. We’ve given you five letters to start you off.

B C D E F G H I J K M W X Y Z N O P Q R S 21

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Your answer ____________________________________ 30

When her beloved passed away, there was only one keepsake Ainslie Peters, 48, from Kirkcaldy, wanted…

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21

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Answers on page 61

WORDS BY LUCY BRYANT IMAGES: SWNS

13

B

ounding through the front door, my two sisters and I raced into our grandmother’s living room.

‘Who’d like a biscuit, then?’ our gran Jean smiled, reaching for her trusty biscuit tin on the side of the kitchen counter.

‘Me please!’ the three of us squealed back.

‘Don’t spoil your dinner, though!’ Gran’s husband Dan chirped from his chair.

It was 1978, and once a month, my sisters and I would go to visit Gran Jean and Dan at their home in Kilbirnie.

Our actual grandad had died in

1970 – the year I was born.

Gran must have been heartbroken for a while, but a few years later, she’d met quiet and dependable, loving Dan. He’d never had his own kids, and always seemed a bit bemused when the three of us came round and caused chaos.

He spent his days sat in his recliner, watching the racing on their black and white telly.

After our sweet treats, my sisters and I all gathered around Gran’s precious glass cabinet – a collection of treasures that were there to be looked at, but never touched.

It held all of Gran’s keepsakes.

She loved to collect China and

R EAL LIFE I couldn’t let it go

E

fancy glassware.

And proud of her belongings, she always kept it as neat as a pin.

Just then, something peculiar caught my eye.

‘Gran, what’s that?’ I asked, pointing to a shiny object on one of the glass shelves.

Peering closer, I realised it was a Cadbury Creme Egg! What was that doing in there?

Avoiding the question, Gran just laughed.

‘Come here, you lot,’ she

She was so thoughtful

‘Thanks Gran!’ we chirped.

Excited about my fortune, I still couldn’t get the Creme Egg out of my head.

Later that afternoon, I asked my dad William about it.

And luckily, Dad knew the tale.

‘Dan gave it Gran was to her on their very special first date in 1973,’ he smiled.

And Gran, being the sentimental person she was, had kept it, still wrapped, for years.

I couldn’t understand why she hadn’t eaten it!

When I was 11 years old, Dan passed away.

Years later, Gran retired from her job as a waitress and ended up living in a supported housing block.

She was on the first floor, and her sisters, Wilna and Helen, were on the ground floor, meaning they could

smiled, ushering us all away from the cabinet.

‘I’ve got something for you,’ Gran whispered.

As my sisters and I gathered around her, she reached into her purse, then carefully pressed a

always visit each other for a good old natter.

Then, in 2010, at the grand old age of 94, Gran passed away.

After her funeral, Dad had a question for me.

‘Is there anything you’d like to remember her by?’ he asked.

There was only one thing I could think of...

‘If it’s still there, I’d like the Creme Egg,’ I said.

Opening up the glass cabinet, sure enough, it was still there.

Gran had kept it with her right until the end.

It had clearly meant so much to her, so I vowed to treasure it, too.

Back home, I popped it into my own special cabinet.

Now it sits alongside old memorable photos, wooden figurines, Disney characters and a personalised limited edition Coke Zero bottle.

‘Not tempted to unwrap it?’ a friend asked a few years later.

‘Never!’ I replied.

I’ve never even thought about peeling the foil.

I don’t like Creme Eggs..

Gran was happy to keep her love token under wraps for all those years, and now so am I. It’s nearly the same age as me!

And at 47 years old, I doubt it tastes very good!

It’ll be the one egg this Easter that won’t be cracked in our house.

It is egg-stremely special.

It’s much more than a Creme Egg to me

31

Fancy yourself as a bit of a brainbox? Test just how smart you are with these tough teasers…

Film and TV

r o f t s u J

4

N U F

U

Jennifer In the show Lawrence played Gilmore Girls, who Dominika Egorova in plays Rory Gilmore? which 2018 Russian a Kelly Bishop spy thriller?

1

b Alexis Bledel c Lauren Graham

a Red Sparrow b Salt c Bridge of Spies

2

Which Disney film is set in What is the name Scotland and has of the good witch Billy Connolly as the in The Wizard of OZ? voice of Fergus? a Glinda

5

a Frozen b Tangled c Brave

b Elphaba c Dorothy

3

Who killed Lucy Beale on EastEnders in 2015?

a Peter Beale b Bobby Beale c Ian Beale

6

Who directed The Lord of the Rings trilogy?

a Christopher Columbus b Woody Allen c Peter Jackson

4

Showbiz

removed from What is the name Madame Tussauds at the beginning of of Rebekah and Jamie Vardy’s third this year? a William and child together?

IMAGE: GETTY, PA AND ALAMY

7

Catherine b Harry and Meghan c Charles and Camilla

a Marnie May b Olivia Grace c Helen Jane

9

What year did Diversity win Britain’s Got Talent?

8

Which royal couple’s waxworks were

7

a 2009 2010 2011

10

Which former reality TV star presents the revamped Supermarket Sweep?

Jack Finchman Rylan Clark-Neal Mark Wright

12

Music

11

‘Sound of the Underground’ was the first No.1 for which girl group?

a Spice Girls b Atomic Kitten c Girls Aloud

12

The 1994 film Four weddings and a Funeral made which song a No.1?

a Love is All Around b Love in The Rain c But Not for Me

13

Chrissie Hynde was the lead singer of which band?

a Journey b Pretenders c Simple Minds

14

Who was ‘Like a Virgin’ in 1984?

a Diana Ross b Annie Lennox c Madonna

15

Who sang ‘You’re Welcome’ in Disney’s 2016 film

20

UIZ

Food and drink

a ype of pastry are profiteroles made from?

5

a Puff pastry b Choux pastry c Shortcrust pastry

21

19 aioli?

a Coca-Cola b Nestle c Pepsi

What is the main flavor of

a Rosemary b Lemon c Garlic

21

a Basil b Chiv c Min

Who manufactur the fizzy drink Fanta?

22

20

What herb is in pesto sauce?

What shape is the pasta called rigatoni?

a Shell b Bow c Tube

General knowledge

23

Which ocean surrounds Spain?

a Mediterranean b Pacific c Indian

a Jemaine Clement b Auli’I Cravalho c Dwayne Johnson

16

Which 2010 musical do Cher and Christina Aguilera star in?

with the line ‘Is this the real life?’

17

26

26

24

17

25

Who wrote the 1847 novel Jane Eyre?

a Emily Brontë b Anne Brontë c Charlotte Brontë

a We are the Champions b Radio Ga Ga c Bohemian Rhapsody

a Burlesque b Hairspray c Moulin Rouge

Which famous Queen song starts

a Fifth b Third c Second

Which sport does UK sportsman Ben Stokes play?

a Cricket b Football c Rugby

ANSWERS: 1B, 2C, 3B, 4A, 5A, 6C, 7B, 8B, 9A, 10B, 11C, 12A, 13B 14C, 15C, 16A, 17C, 18B, 19C, 20A, 21A, 22C, 23A, 24B, 25C, 26A

Moana?

24

Where is Prince George in the line of succession to the throne?

33

Just for

Strike it FUN

On the bingo card, cros all the numbers that appear on the balls. Read th letters beside the 78 remaining numbers 25 7 on your card from left to right to spell 34 66 out the answer.

8

Your answer _________________ ____________________ G

T

4

W

A

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7 13 22 T N E 19 26 34

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42

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76 87 N

M

64

E

75

52 A

51

51

1

13

37

14

90

87 E

30

22

53

R

89

Why was Zoe Sargent, 31, from East Yorkshire, suddenly feeling so run down?

78

Number fit 3670 3747 4307 6734 7044

Y

nswer

4 ________

STOCK IMAGES: GETTY

Zoomed in

34

Can you guess what object we’ve zoomed in on? We’ll give you a hint, extremely bouncy.

Your answer ________________

Answers on page 61

WORDS BY LUCY BRYANT PHOTOS: SWNS AND GETTY

Which one of the listed numbers won t fit in this mini grid?

C

my knickers and I had lost a bit of weight, too.

Then, in December, the stomach cramps hit me hard.

It’s just women’s problems, I tried to convince myself.

But my fiancé James, then 39, was worried.

‘Book a doctor’s appointment,’ he urged.

The GP booked me in for a scan in January to check for cysts.

I’m just shattered from all these shifts, I reasoned with myself.

It was fatigue and stress.

By the time I tucked into my pigs in blankets on Christmas Day, I was dosing up with paracetamol as often as I could to relieve the pain.

After a few more shifts at work, James and I were planning to spend the first Saturday of 2019 together.

I thought I was Only, instead far too young of a lie in, I woke up with earing cramps and heavy leeding.

I was yet to et my test esults back.

We had no dea what it was.

‘I’m calling n ambulance,’ mes said.

He held my and as I was

ollecting a tower of beer glasses, I faked a smile at my regular pub customers as a pang of pain hit my stomach.

It was the week before Christmas 2018.

In the middle of my third 13-hour shift in a row, I was exhausted.

‘I’ll be with you in a minute,’ I yelled to a punter as I poured pint after pint.

Usually, despite the crazy chaos, I loved the festivities.

The twinkly lights that lined the bar, the smell of turkey dinners served to Christmas parties.

Only this year, I had felt unwell for weeks.

In October, I noticed blood in

I noticed blood in my knickers

EAL LIFE

A long road to recovery

My body was crying out for help

rushed to Hull Royal Infirmary.

I was taken for an emergency MRI scan and kept in for tests.

I waited apprehensively.

And a week later, the hospital had some news to break to me.

‘Zoe...You have stage three cervical cancer,’ the nurse explained

me.

I stared at her.

My life had just anged forever in a atter of seconds.

Aren’t I too young to t cervical cancer? I ought, confused.

Working away a lot a dancer in my 20s, never made it to a ear test. didn’t think smear ts mattered for someone so young.

But as doctors outlined my treatment plan, I regretted not having been tested.

‘We can beat this together,’ James assured me.

But I was petrified.

I’ve got to survive this, I thought.

On Valentine’s Day 2019, I

could be.

They became like family.

Finally, in March, my treatment finished and I could come home again.

My mum Carol, 59, moved in to help me.

And James did all he could.

But it took months before I felt anything like my old self.

Then, in July, I finally got the news I’d been waiting for.

‘Your latest scan shows no sign of cancer,’ the consultant smiled to me.

Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks.

‘You did it!’

James grinned.

In October, I started work at the pub again.

We battled But I’m taking it together it easy now.

My life changed forever when I was diagnosed with cancer, and it’s hard tarted 25 rounds of to adjust back to normal. radiotherapy.

Looking back, I wish Six rounds I’d had my routine of chemo and smear tests at 25. ree of internal It wasn’t that I was diotherapy scared, I just didn’t owed. realise the importance. n I needed Now, I shout it from my kidneys the rooftops. failed.

And I wish I’d Too sick to leave the listened to my body crying for help. hospital, I had 12 blood transfusions Those stomach pains weren’t to keep me alive. festive burnout, they were a warning The amazing staff in Ward 30 sign for something much bigger. helped me so much.

Listen to your body.

Despite everything I was going It might just save your life. through, they made me feel as

If only I’d gone to my smear test

Have you checked?

he best way to protect yourself T from cervical cancer is by attending a smear test.

The NHS invites all women (aged 25-64) to be tested.

Women aged 25-49 are offered screening every three years, and those aged 50-64 are offered screening every five years.

You should be sent a letter in the post. Contact a GP if you think you may be overdue.

35

TRAV

Pitch

Stay-cations’ are all the rage at the momen rits holiday. It’s affordable, fun and is great for all the mily. S our tra guide to being a pro camper, no matter your exper nce.

WHAT YOU NEED:

C

amping isn’t like any other holiday. If you’re heading on a summer holiday to Spain, the most important thing you need to remember is your passport. When camping, there are many other things to consider. One missing tent peg and everything can go wrong. So, below is our checklist of everything you need to remember when camping!

THE NECESSITIES

WORDS BY HANNAH POON IMAGES: GETTY AND ALAMY

with all the fixings.  Sleeping bag  Sleeping pad  Pillows  Headlamp or flashlight  Camp chairs  Lantern for cooking food

36

For food: Stove an fuel  Cooler atches/lig Firestarter Cooking pots  Utensils Bottle opener  Tupperware  Ice packs

Tools and repairs: Multi-tool  Duct tape  Tent-pole repair sleeve  Pad/mattress repair kit  Mallet or hammer  Batteries tra cord

E TO GO

er where you want to go, there ill be a large variety of campsites ailable to you. Depending on who you are camping with, the main things you want to look out for are whether they are ‘child friendly’, if dogs are allowed and what facilities are available.

Look around and browse your options, but we strongly recommend booking a slot. As spring eases in, many families will be keen to get away and campsites may be busier than usual – so just turning up may not be plausible.

You may also want to check where your nearest shop is, as it’s highly likely that you’ll forget something! This way, you know you’ll never be without!

WHAT TENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

C

hoosing the correct tent is a fundamental part to any camping holiday. And you need to be honest with yourself. Are you the type to put up a five-person tent from scratch or will you need one that you can just throw to the ground and it opens for you?

There’s no shame in admitting that you may be latter, but if you’re travelling with a l f il hen it may not be option for you. re are many gs to take into nsideration when uying a tent, and he best way to find ut what you need is y going through a uide. Most outdoor r camping stores ll do this and recommend Go Be realistic oors! ooutdoors.co.uk

F F U T S N U F E TH

U

nfortunately, camping in the UK isn’t quite as easy as pitching up on a field and lighting a fire. In fact, there are many rules and regulations that you have to remember.

For starters, wild camping is illegal, and you risk trespassing on private land. Always make sure that you are settled in a designated and licensed campsite.

Once you’re there, you also need to make sure that you dispose of any waste correctly.

Whether it’s food or toxins (bodily fluids), you should always use designated waste bins. Most campsites will have public toilets, but if they don’t, there will be a waste bin to dispose of your fluids. Leaving them on the side of the road or on the ground is a criminal offence

WHAT SLEEPIN BAG TO GET:

T

The right fit

he right sleeping bag can make all the difference to a make or break camping holiday. You need to make s you get the right one for where you are going.

There are currently two main types of sleeping bag – down or synthetic. Both have positive and negative sides, but you need to decide which is better for you.

Down sleeping bags are typically made from duck feathers and hold more insulation, whereas synthetic is man-made stuffing, which is cheaper and easier to use.

Whichever you prefer, it needs to provide warmth and comfort.

The next thing you need to consider is shape, size and additional features. Find which one will get you the most for your money whilst providing a top-quality sleep.

Mountain Warehouse has a great guide on choosing the best one! www.mountainwarehouse.com

Refreezable ice packs, £8, Oliver Bonas ug,

Valiant nomad folding portable charcoal barbecue, £49.99, Ludlowstoves.co.uk

Flamingo bay vacuum flask, £12.95, Rex London

O NO’S

Tulip bloom portable USB charger, £9.95, Rex London

Lava BrightSounds 2 – Bluetooth speaker nd lantern, 39.99, Amazon Unicorn shower cap, £5, NPW London

Travel NEWS TRAVEL FE

T

ravel fear is a rea thing and with the holiday season just around the corner, many of us will start to wonder where it is safest to go. And although Real fears the destination is top of our safety prioritie Taxi2Airport.com has revealed our other travel fears. Unsurprisingly, safety at our accommodation is also at the top of our concerns, followed by lost luggage and losing important documents. Terrorism, natural disasters and sexual harassment are also our top concerns. For the full report, visit: www.taxi2airport.com/eu

SAVE AND GO

W

ant to go on holiday, but worried you can’t afford it?

Well, the Chip app is your answer. It will automatically put money aside for you, so you can save up without thinking about it. It will allow you to build your travel fund so you can go to top destinations such as New York, Florida, Australia or even Japan. The app even tells you how long it will take to save for these destinations. For example, according to the app, it will take you 419 days to save for New York! Download the app now and start saving for your dream getaway! www.getchip.uk

FAKE-CAT

A

ccording to C Med, four in t have lied about wh they’ve been in the Almost half of us h relayed tales of Eu city breaks and long-haul adventures, with 41% admitting they have fibbed about trips to countries they have never even visited! Have you ever lied to appear more travel cool?

White lies

37

DANGEROU Michael McNew had given Jennifer Morrissey a new life, but she couldn’t change who she really was…

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restitution payments (where the perpetrator of a crime has to pay They met at the victim), which she a strip club struggled to keep up w Michael started paying them for her.

Jennifer would later say it was to control her and make her reliant on him, but friends of Michael said it was simply because he was a kind-hearted man who wanted to help.

It was his compassi that made him invite y, Jennifer to live with h urt luxury riverside home in January fees and supported her 2015, so he could take care of her. when she started working as a Jennifer likened it to a motorcycle mechanic. museum with his Jennifer told people that Michael ugar daddy’ – and not liked it. l’s grown-up son and disapproved of their dad’s iend, who was half his age ly spending his money. became strained between they drifted apart.

017, Michael found out fer was cheating on him member of a orcycle gang.

Jennifer moved out and Michael was heartbroken that she’d betrayed him.

I wanted you to be with me forever. You Generous Michael chose not to, he said wanted to help out to her in a text.

Jennifer took You have a new advantage

ivorced Michael McNew, 64, was a wealthy pharmaceutical executive with a luxury home in affluent Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Lynn Morrissey, 33, was a stripper with a drug problem and a habit of getting into trouble with the law.

They were an unlikely couple, but when Michael went to the strip club where Jennifer danced in 2014, they had an instant connection as they chatted about their mutual love of motorbikes.

They agreed to go on a date – but this time, Michael wouldn’t have to pay for her company.

As they got to know each other, Jennifer opened up about her troubles, including her $1,200 overdue electricity bill

WORDS BY GAIL SHORTLAND IMAGES: GETTY

p re so a

38

d w sm w w d an h o d o in

o t e d a m s a w g The killin ent d i c c a n a e k i l look boyfriend now… I have always loved you beyond your imagination and mine, but you chose differently.

And I guess four years with you is all a waste of my time.

Michael messaged her to say that her belongings would be put into storage for her to pick up, and that he would pay to keep them there for two months.

He added that if she came to the house, he’d have no choice but to defend himself and reminded her that he had a gun.

Was Michael afraid of Jennifer’s new boyfriend?

He was right to be.

Charles ‘Ruthless’ Kulow had a criminal history and a violent past.

Jennifer and Michael argued over more than 90 texts.

One minute they were lamenting over their relationship, the next they were threatening each other.

I’ll gut you like I’m field-dressing a deer, Jennifer wrote to Michael.

Two days later, on 8 August,

US

Michael’s hone, omputer and watch in Charles’ ackyard, then ennifer sent a message to Michael on Facebook so t would look ike she believed he was alive.

Jennifer was charged with murder.

Meanwhile, She said that Charles was they’d argued already in prison facing a separate charge for killing a man during a fight. exchanging texts with He agreed to testify against Jennifer, and things Jennifer and faced no charges between them had been relating to Michael’s death. far from civil.

In January last year, Jennifer went They started to look before a jury. into their connection in The prosecution said that more depth.

Michael had been asleep in his Was it an accident, or leather chair when had Michael Jennifer sneaked into the been murdered? house through the Then, shortly after garage, because she Michael’s death, Jennifer was arrested on knew the entry code.

She had shot him at unrelated charges. point-blank range in the While in custody, she face with her handgun. started to tell a cellmate They discounted a that she’d killed her tussle over the gun as there was no sugar daddy after going sign of a struggle. over to his house to The angle of the bullet wound confront him. was also consistent of Michael Jennifer had told sitting back in his recliner. others, too – they all ‘He put his faith in her and she put informed the police. a bullet in his head,’ they said.

When first Lawyers described how she’d questioned, Jennifer heartlessly returned with new to lay suspicion on her new boyfriend, suggesting he might have had something to do with it.

She said she hadn’t been to Michael’s house in weeks and hadn’t lived there for months.

But her DNA was found in Michael’s turned-out pockets.

She then came up with a story that she would stick with throughout her trial.

She said that she did shoot Michael, but that it had been an accident.

They had wrestled with the gun and it had gone off, shooting him in the face.

Jennifer said she’d been frightened and fled the scene, but returned with Charles to make it look like Callous killer a robbery. They buried

Makin of a g MONS TER

Michael’s co-worker grew concerned that she hadn’t heard from him and went to his home with her daughter.

They were horrified to find Michael dead in his favourite leather chair in the living room, a bullet wound between his eyes.

‘He’s dead,’ Michael’s upset colleague told the 911dispatcher.

‘He has, like, blood all over his mouth. He’s not breathing at all.’

When officers arrived, they found Michael’s body.

They noted that his watch was missing and his jean pockets were literally turned out.

At first glance, it looked like a burglary that had gone wrong.

But if the motive of his murder had been robbery, why hadn’t they taken anything else – such as the expensive art on the walls?

Investigators discovered that in the hours leading up to his untimely death, Michael had been

boyfriend Charles to make it look like a robbery.

Charles testified that he’d even urinated on Michael’s hands to get rid of evidence.

Their theory on Jennifer’s motive? Michael’s $362,000 lifeinsurance policy that listed her as a beneficiary.

Jennifer’s lawyers argued that it was self-defence and maintained she’d gone to collect something and they’d struggled, causing the gun to go off.

A tearful Jennifer took the stand and discussed her relationship with Michael.

She said that he was jealous and was always accusing her of sleeping with other people.

She said he always reminded her that she was financially dependent on him.

‘I didn’t mean to shoot him,’ she said.

But if it had been an accident, why hadn’t she called for help?

Instead she had returned to the scene and went to great lengths to cover up what she’d done.

In February last year, Jennifer Lynn Morrissey was found guilty of firstdegree murder.

She was also found guilty of burglary and criminal trespassing.

At the sentencing, Michael’s children spoke of their heartache over the division that Jennifer had caused in their family while she’d been in a relationship with Michael.

Daughter Katie Anderson said, ‘I will never forgive her for taking him away from us.

‘I hope she will recognise the pain and trauma and sadness she has inflicted upon us all.’

The judge was unforgiving hen he addressed Jennifer.

‘Ms Morrissey, what you ave done to yourself you have eserved,’ he told her.

‘You have made bad ecision after bad decision fter bad decision.

‘You were callous, you were shallow, and you need to e punished for that.’

He then sentenced Jennifer o spend the rest of her life behind bars, without the chance of parole.

The second-to-last text Michael ever sent his former girlfriend read, Jen, I love you to death.

Sadly, that really would be the case when she turned up at his house hours later and shot him right between the eyes.

She shot him at close range

39

Small cha rity with a big hea rt

Louise Fetigan, 37, fro military kids feel less alone…

WORDS BY HANNAH POON PHOTOS: SWNS AND GETTY

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eading into my daughter’s room, I tried to ease her back to sleep.

Madison was just seven, and she was struggling with her dad being away.

Unfortunately, as a military family, it was just something she had to get used to.

I’d joined the army in my late teens and that’s where I met my husband, Tony, 38.

We were constantly moving, but when we had Madison, that’s when I really noticed the affects.

I slowed down my role as an army clerk, but as a solider, Tony was always out on mission. Madison

40

could go weeks without seeing him or even talking to him, but there was no support.

I just kept getting told that as her dad was alive, ‘she was not a crisis.’

But as a young child who missed her dad, I knew she needed help.

So, one year, to keep her occupied, the two of us trekked Snowden for charity and I wrote a blog post all about it.

My child struggles, too! I wish there was help… other military mums wrote.

And I knew then that I had to do something.

So, that’s when I set up my charity Little Troopers in 2011.

The aim of the charity was to help

I knew she needed help

ts to help all children who have one or both parents in the Armed Forces – regular or reserve.

On the website, parents can download packs and activities, t will help them to understand military life.

We try and connect the childr to their parents, no matter the mi between them.

With calendar countdowns, birthday cards and welcome hom packs, it’s a great way to keep th entertained, as well as connected We now also have an app, so military parents can log in and record a bedtime story for their child, regardless of whether ther signal where they are.

Since launching, we’ve had su a great response and the charity h only grown.We’ve now launche

R EAL LIFE ttle Troopers in School itiative, to help teachers nderstand the difficult life of litary children.

Just like Madison, who is now 16, there are children out there who have to move area and school every two years. She’s been to nearly eight different schools, each time harder than the last.

Last year, we had to move er halfway through her CSE’s and we’ll have to do the me for her A-Levels. t’s not easy for her, and I know re are thousands of other hildren and teenagers going hrough it.

We’re lucky that Madison is so trong, and she even wants to go nto the military herself when he’s older, but it doesn’t make it asy for her.

As I watch Madison grow and ee her daily struggles as a military hild, I adapt the charity to the eeds of all children.

As we’re not a crisis charity, we on’t get any funding.

So each year, we do the Snowden trek to raise money.

We’re a little charity, but we have a huge heart and we want to make life easier for military children.

I no longer serve in the military, but we still live and breathe it.

We don’t always know when Tony’s next mission will be and when he’s out in Iraq or Afghanistan serving his country, we’re so proud of him, but we miss him so much.

Madison knows how lucky she is to still have both her parents, but I’ve seen first-hand the struggles that military children face every single day.

So, that’s why I set up Little T t t d

I want to make it easier for them

WORDS: HANNAH POON, STOCK IMAGES: GETTY

SUMPTUOUSLY SOFT

1

1. Nature Republic Aqua Collagen Solution Marine Hydrogel Lip Patch, £3, Nature Republic UK. Containing marine based collagen, this lip patch provides intense moisture to the lips. Enriched in collagen, grapefruit extract, betaine and chlorella extract, this patch will provide a rich hydration that will restore distressed skin around the lips. After just 20 minutes, your lips will be kissably soft.

2

2. Stripped Peppermint Lip Balm, £4.50, Stripped Skincare.

Made with 100% natural ingredients, this pocket-sized tin contains nothing but nourishing oils and butters to help protect your lips from the elements. Formulated without any harmful chemicals, this peppermint balm will moisturise dry and dehydrated lips to leave them and smooth. Keeping them from chapping and cracking whatever the weather.

3. Ashley & Co Lip Punch, £9, John Lewis. Whether you wear makeup daily or are an avid anti-makeup wearer, everyone should have their trusted lip balm at hand to nourish their lips throughout the colder months. This balm is 100% Ecocer approved and with its rich buttery balm made from beeswax, arnica and argan oil, the clear gel formula instantly restores and replenishes dry and irritated lips.

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. Dr. PAWPAW tinted multi-purpose balms, £6.95, Harvey Nichols. Created to suit and compliment all skin tones and ages, these inted lip balms are just what you need. Created using PawPaw fruit, aloe vera and olive oil, these balms are super nourishing, hydrating and oothing, so they will rejuvenate your lips. With a glossy sheen, their hree new shades are sure to leave you satisfied. Choose from: Rich Mocha, Outrageous Orange and Hot Pink.

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2. e.l.f. Liquid Matte Lipsticks, £6, Superdrug. When liquid lipsticks all became the rage a few years back we quickly fell in love. Providing the fun of a gloss with the intensity of lipstick and a staying-power like nothing else, who could resist? These matte iquid lipsticks from e.l.f. are a real showstopper. The slim, iamond shaped applicator gives you a flawless application in just ne stroke. Enriched with Vitamin E, not only will they leave your ps bold and succulent, but nourished and conditioned, too!

MUA Satin Lipsticks, £1.50, Superdrug. Choose from a election of nine natural to bold shades for a gorgeous satin finish. hese creamy lipsticks will glide onto the lips, leaving them with a lour that is comfortable to wear. The ting lipsticks will leave you with lips re hard to say no to.

L’Oréal Le Signature Lip Liners, 8.99, Boots. Give your lips that extra definition with these all new lip iners. With their sharp point, you can precisely outline your lips for a lump effect. Whether you want atural or bold, these liners will be le to create the full effect that will e your lips looking irresistible and

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On 16 Ma rch it is Lip Apprec i Day, so ation pu up, let cker ’s g you rea et dy!

DO IT RIGHT

For the best results, use a lip brush to allow for precision application.

Kit Stars Easy Lip Brush, £6, Kit Stars. This vegan lip brush is the perfect tool to give you a precise lip look. Sharp, defined lips with minimal effort. The Easy Lip Brush has been designed to g you precision and control around the contours of lip – especially when applying darker shades. The crafted luxe professional brush features solid cop ferrules for your new brush, plus super-soft hair f for a wonderfully soft experience.

How to make your lipstick last longer...

e all know the pain of applying our favou W colour, and then taking one bite to eat a disappears. It happens to the best of us! So, here are

some tips to make your lipstick last as long as possible:  Exfoliate and hydrate regularly – just like you would with your skin, you need to with your lips, too!  Lip primers exist! Invest in one if you can.  Always apply a lip-liner before filling in the centre.  Don’t forget to blot!  Finish by dusting over some translucent powder!

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Jodie Isitt, 34, from eading wants you to know why she’s so proud of her family…

WORDS BY LAEA MARSHALL IMAGES: SWNS

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with our second child, and even through morning sickness and back pain, I couldn’t wait for our family to grow.

I knew Stanley would be a wonderful big brother.

Our daughter Lola was born on 30 July 2009, and just like her big brother, she was such a quiet, well-behaved baby.

But not for long.

At just a few weeks old, Lola would start to be sick every time I fed her, and she wasn’t afraid to show us how she felt, either – screaming her head off whenever she got the chance.

Kenny and I soon realised how lucky we’d actually been with Stanley!

As a toddler, Lola was very stressed out.

Strapping her in her car seat to take her out shopping, she would panic and only stop screaming when I released her.

She hated being confined.

Excited to have a little girl, I loved dressing her up pretty dresses, too, but Lola ated wearing clothes, would rip hem off as soon as she could.

As Lola’s demands took ver, poor Stanley had taken a ack seat for his little sister.

He’d become quieter than usual, would sometimes barely peak at all.

‘I feel like I’m neglecting him,’ I confessed to Kenny, feeling so guilty.

But over time, Lola needed me more and more.

By the time she was two years old, after doing some research, I reasoned that she was autistic.

We couldn’t wait She had all the signs – to be parents difficulty processing her emotions and overreacting to even just the smallest

’ve always believed that the secret to a happy life is not to take it too seriously.

And when it comes to my family, that’s what gets us through every day.

You see, all three of my children have autism.

When I met my partner Kenny, now 43, back in 2005, it had been love at first sight.

We got together pretty quickly and couldn’t wait to start a family of our own.

And our dreams came true the following year when I fell pregnant.

Cradling my growing bump, I dreamed of our happy future.

Our son Stanley was born on 25 June 2007, a perfectly gorgeous little bundle of joy.

‘He’s beautiful,’ Kenny smiled.

We quickly adapted to life as a family of three, got used to night feeds and nappy changes.

Stanley was a perfect baby – so incredibly quiet.

In 2008, I fell pregnant

My kids are my inspiration changes in her routine.

It seemed like a simple explanation to me, but getting a diagnosis was incredibly difficult.

Every time I took Lola to the doctor, she’d be so quiet and well behaved – as if she knew exactly what we were trying to do!

Back home, she’d be back to her usual self, screaming her head off uncontrollably.

The doctor arranged for a health visitor to assess Lola for a period of six months, and in the meantime, all we could do was wait.

Then, in December 2011, I fell pregnant again.

And while the pregnancy was straightforward enough, so much changed for our family in the next nine months.

Back at the doctor with Lola, I’d

It took months for a diagnosis

42

figured out a way to prove my point.

As Lola fiddled with the light in the GP’s office, I went over to her.

‘Lola, stop that now!’ I scolded.

The sudden jolt in her routine sent Lola into hysterics – as I’d expected.

Finally, the doctor was seeing what I was seeing, and at three years old, Lola was officially diagnosed with autism.

After so long, it was such a relief to finally have the diagnosis.

Now we needed to act on it.

‘We need to learn how to help her the best we possibly can,’ I said to Kenny that night.

So I signed up to a parenting course to learn all I could about raising a child with autism.

But while the course was helpful with Lola, it revealed something even more surprising.

Going over my notes one evening, I made a realisation.

All the signs of autism – avoiding

R EAL LIFE any medication at the moment, and is such an affectionate little girl.

She loves cuddles and kisses with Mummy, and I’m more than happy to oblige.

All three of my children are happy and thriving, and I couldn’t be more proud.

Last year, I got the idea to write a book about autism.

And as Lola has the most rare form of autism out of all my kids, I decided to base it on her life.

And so Autism with Lola was created – a series of stories about Lola and her experiences.

The book is aimed at kids, with the hopes of showing them that there’s nothing about autism that they need to be afraid of.

In one of the stories, Lola feels scared that other children will make fun of her.

In the end, she manages to make friends, and teaches them that she’s just a normal little girl.

I want to show children that while autistic kids might need a little help, they’re just normal kids they can be friends with.

It also includes an expert section, with an occupational therapist’s advice for teachers on how to manage autistic children.

I self-published in June last year, and so far, thankfully, the book has been a great success.

Kenny and the kids love it, too, and Lola is so proud to have been my inspiration.

But to be honest, all my kids are n to me. o is Kenny. spite his ilitating ndition, he stops t nothing to help take care of the My little kids and works muse so hard to provide for us.

You may think we’re an unlucky family, but to me, we couldn’t be luckier.

All my kids are so incredible, and I wouldn’t change them for the world.

Every family has its challenges, and we’re no different.

We are who we are, and the most important thing Get a copy of Autism with Lola at is that we’re www.autismwithlovepublishing.com all happy.

neat row and started repeating words, my suspicions were confirmed.

And just like her siblings, she was exceptionally clever.

Finally, in 2017, when Connie-Mai was five, she was officially diagnosed with autism.

That same year, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease which damages the thyroid gland.

It means I’m tired all the time, my hair falls out, and I can often get very poorly.

‘We’re quite the family!’ Kenny joked.

And we really are.

I’m not sure how rare it is to have three children with autism, but I know I’m so proud we’re very special. of all of them Stanley, now 12, is now on medication for ADHD, but is such a polite, kind little boy. the worst part was that there was no He’s honest and funny, and cure for it. there’s not a bad bone in his body.

Pretty soon he was struggling to Lola, now 10, is also on even get out of bed and had to rely medication for ADHD. on a mobility scooter to get around.

She loves anything messy and is It certainly made life more such a joker. difficult for us, but Kenny never Taking after her dad, she loves once complained. playing pranks, and is all On 2 September that year, I gave birth to our third child, Connie-Mai. smiles wh spider has And for the first few months of hysterics her life, she was so quiet – she Connie wouldn’t even giggle.

And I knew right away – Connie- Mai, now seven, Mai had autism. isn’t on As a toddler, when she would carefully arrange her teddies in a

I want my book to help others

eye contact, delayed speech and a reliance on routines – described Stanley exactly.

‘I think Stanley is autistic, too,’ I said to Kenny.

And I was right.

Just four months after Lola was diagnosed, it was confirmed that Stanley also had autism.

I felt so guilty – while all the attention had been on Lola, poor little Stanley had gone unnoticed.

Still, now we knew exactly what we were up against.

Having two children with autism wasn’t going to be easy, but Kenny and I were determined to give them the best life possible.

Then, later that year, when I was heavily pregnant, we were dealt yet another blow.

One morning, Kenny fell off his scooter, breaking his collarbone.

While being treated for that, he was diagnosed with something called X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare condition which affects his spinal cord.

It meant he’d be in pain all the time, have terrible back pain and constant pins and needles in his legs. And

We’re quite the family!

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Dame Helen Mirren has revealed that, long with her globe-trotting acting reer, she is also in business as a at? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the two-word answer.

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ACROSS 11 Eye specialist who supplies spectacles (8) 12 Molar or incisor (5) 13 Spanish capital (6) 14 Sound bouncing round a 42 Across (4) 15 Evened the score, retaliated (7) 16 Garments known as pants in the US (8) 17 Wide and tidal river mouth (7) 18 Acrobatic athlete (7)

19 Accepted standard (4) 21 Ordeal (5) 23 Road area set aside for public transport (3,4) 24 Top naval officer (7) 28 Bother, rumpus (4) 29 Sprint (3) 30 Decorative strip of silky material (6) 33 Old soldier (7) 35 Metal barrel of beer (3) 36 Tiny particle of matter (4) 38 Part of a dance (4) 39 Waterlogged (3)

40 High-ranking soldier (7) 42 Deep gorge (6) 43 In good shape (3) 44 Fashionable and stylish (4) 48 Sight creted by sunshine in a shower (7) 50 Took on legal responsibility for a child (7) 51 Elephant’s nose (5) 54 Strap for holding up 16 Across (4) 56 Row of houses (7) 57 Courtroom testifier (7)

60 Tepid (8) 61 Colourful sleeveless pullover (4, 3) 63 Wheel’s rubber part (4) 64 Militarily intrude upon another country (6) 65 Large bird of prey (5) 66 Left high and dry, on a desert island perhaps (8) DOWN 1 Pungent and piquant flavourings (6) 2 Field glasses (10) 3 Weird and exotic (7) 4 South American mountains (5) 5 Male deer (4) 6 Tasty ingrediant added on the plate (9) 7 French castle (7) 8 Bought in from abroad (8) 9 Thomas - - -, US inventor of the light bulb (6) 10 Keeper of books (9) 18 Swallow hard (4) 20 Amusing, comical (5) 22 Casino game (8) 25 Quarantine,. segregate (7) 26 New York’s theatre land (8) 27 Sir Francis - - -, Elizabethan seafarer (5) 31 French stick (8) 32 Charitable gift (8) 34 Give the meaning of something (7) 37 Wasp’s poisonous weapon (5) 41 Proposal (5) 44 and 58 Down Weatherfield soap (10,6) 45 Have alternate goes (4, 5) 46 Point after deuce in tennis (9) 47 Duellist’s sword (4) 49 Old-fashioned (8) 52 Beat keeper in a rock band (7) 53 Where flights begin and end (7) 55 Protective front part of a shoe (6) 58 See 44 Down 59 Token stuck on a letter (5) 62 Require (4) Your answer _____________ _________________________ _________________________

Answers on page 61

INSTANT APPOINTMENT

Ditch the scales

Dr Tim Ubhi is a consultant paediatrician and founder of The Children’s e-Hospital (e-hospital.co.uk).

Spot the signs

Q A

Reason to worry? Sore subject

I think my six-year-old My eight-year-old daughter has nose bleeds Qson has impetigo. What’s Q the best way for it to be quite often. Is it something I

should worry about? Vicky, Newcastle Nosebleeds are very common in children with a peak age of between two and ten years. They can happen for various reasons including irritation to the nasal passage, trauma, or a cold or sinus infection. They arise from bleeding in a part of the nose called ‘little’s area’ where there are lots of blood vessels. Often, the cause n’t etermined ut if they re regular or heavy you ee your GP. They will decide if referral to a specialist is Common problem needed.

A

treated? Allison, Birmingham Impetigo usually presents with re sore blister which can burst and leave crusty brown patches on the skin.

Easily treated Although contagious, it is easily treated with a combination of antibiotic cream and/or oral antibiotics depending on the severity and location of the rash. Impetigo usually clears up within 7 to 10 days if it’s treated early, so phone or visit your GP for a diagnosis. Whilst contagious, it’s important to keep your son off school to avoid spreading the condition.

A

What’s on your mind?

Loving yourself

I’ve never been happy with the way I look and I’m always trying to lose a bit of weight. How can I finally learn to love myself?

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or many people, it is easier to love others than it is to love themselves, but selfacceptance is an important part of developing healthy relationships. Cutting out negative beliefs and trying not to compare yourself to others are all ways you can learn to feel happier with your own body.

What do you like?

Write a list of all the things you do like about yourself. Choose things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like.

Read your list often, and add to it when you become aware of more things to like about yourself.

Beauty is a state of mind

Once you start to feel good about yourself, you’ll begin to carry yourself with a sense of confidenc

and self-acceptance that makes you beautiful. Beauty isn’t necessarily based on looks but is instead more about how you feel.

Surround yourself with positive people

Our negative thoughts about ourselves often come from people whose opinion we value. Surround yourself with people who are supportive and recognise the importance of liking yourself as you naturally re Be positive

Y

that can present at this age. Try and have an open discussion My 11-year-old son with your child in the first place, seems very withdrawn to see if you can identify what is and moody at the moment. oin on both internally and Could he be depres ally i.e. at school Laura, Glasgow n social groups. ontacting school This is difficult nd teaching staff to answer can also help to without knowing shed light on any more. We know problems that the onset of occurring at puberty can result Feeling down chool. If the in a change in mptoms are character, but it is stent or also important to ke concerning, you should an open mind to other take advice from your GP. causes of behavioural change

IMAG S: ALAMY AN G

Medical advice provided is for guidance only and does not substitute seeing a doctor. If you have concerns a face-to-face appointment with a doctor is recommended.

Your health +Real-lifeplustrends,infoandadvice

T OR

E

Sarah Louhisalo, 22, from Preston had no idea why she kept blacking out…

L

Oneinfivewomenwithovariancancerarediagnosedtoolatetoreceive anytreatment.ThisMarch,charitiesacrosstheUKarecomingtogetherto helpmorewomenlearnhowtospotthesignsearlyaspartofOvarian CancerAwarenessMonth.Howmuchdo you know about the disease?

Take our true or false quiz to find out.

4

IMAGES: GETTY AND ALAMY

5

46

The disease doesn’t affect women under 30.  True  False A swollen tummy is a symptom of ovarian cancer.  True  False The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown.  True  False The earlier ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of cure.  True  False

1. FALSE Ovarian cancer, or cancer of the ovaries, is one of the most common types of cancer in women. There are around 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s about 20 every day. It’s the sixth most common cancer in the UK for women.

2. FALSE Ovarian cancer

y age, but it is much rarer in younger women. 8 in 10 cases are women over the age of 50, with the condition mainly affecting women who have been through the menopause.

3. TRUE Other common symptoms include feeling constantly bloated, discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area, feeling full quickly when eating and needing to pee more often than normal. Symptoms are often difficult to recognise as they’re similar to more common conditions such as

irritable bowel syndrome.

4. TRUE Although the cause is unknown, there are factors that can increase a women’s risk of getting the disease.

Being over the age of 50, a family history of breast cancer, suffering from endometriosis and being overweight are all factors.

5. TRUE Early diagnosis is key to treating ovarian cancer.

Its often not recognised until it’s already spread, and a cure is not possible. Overall, around half of women with the disease will live for at least five years after diagnosis.

A VEGAN DIET IS GOOD FOR YOUR EYES

More brits than ever are swaying towards veganism and the trend might be good for our eyesight as well as our waistlines.

Eyecare experts at Optical Express have revealed that plant-based diets are full of vitamins that are crucial to our eyesight.

Carrots, squash and spinach are all proven to increase the eyes ability to perform in low light.

WORDS AND PHOTOS: SWNS

1 2 3

Ovarian cancer isn t common.  True  False

A carrot a day

ooking up as fireworks swirled across the sky, I cuddled into my partner, Jamie.

It was November 2018, and we’d wrapped up warm and headed to our local bonfire night display.

With a hot chocolate warming my hands, I looked to Jamie.

‘This is exactly what I needed,’ I smiled.

After a hectic few weeks it was nally get some downtime. t started training as a teacher e and I had moved into our ed house together. ng as much as I could during t work, I’d come home and y evenings unpacking boxes. tarted taking its toll and I ng pretty stressed out and d by it all. t at the fireworks with Jamie was exactly what I needed.

Only, as I watched the display descend upon the sky above me, I started to feel faint.

The whizzes and booms of the fireworks suddenly started to fade…

Before I knew it, I came round on a nearby bench.

‘That was weird,’ I said to Jamie, who’d sat me down.

It must be all the stress at work and home, I thought to myself.

I was a little shaken up, but I put it down to everything that was going on and not looking after myself enough.

It made me think, and in the weeks after, I hit the gym and drank plenty of water.

But I started getting headaches.

Driving to work a few months

He+ alth news

BLAC The car hitting the kerb was the only reason I’d woken up.

It was terrifying, but luckily no harm was done.

‘I think you should go to the hospital,’ my mum, Elizabeth, said when I told her.

Knowing she was right, I headed to A&E where I was given an MRI and had blood tests.

The results didn’t show anything, but over the next few weeks things continued to get worse.

The headaches were horrendous, and I started having more and more blackouts.

By now, I had to give up driving and work.

‘Are you OK?’ Jamie asked one day, after finding me laying across the bathroom floor. ‘I was

must have blacked out and fallen off.’

At this point, I was conking out up to 30 times a day and I had no idea what was wrong.

Then, last January, we went to Hampshire for a family birthday party.

Sitting at the kitchen table in the afternoon, I could feel my hands were trembling.

‘I’m going to go up and get ready,’ I said to everyone.

But while I was upstairs, the room began to spin.

I slumped on the floor, convulsing.

Hearing the loud thud, Jamie rushed up and got me on to the bed.

I woke up to his terrified face.

‘You had a seizure,’ he xplained to me.

I couldn’t speak.

I tried, but no words would ome out.

I was taken to hospital where my voice came back, but the eizures continued.

I was diagnosed with nonpileptic attack disorder, but Mum wanted me to get a econd opinion.

We decided to see a private neurologist who ran lots of ests and found that I had functional neurological disorder as well.

It’s where symptoms such as fainting and tremors seem to be caused by problems in the nervous system, but there’s no underlying neurological disease or disorder.

‘It can be brought on by stress or anxiety,’ the

UT

I blacked out at the car wheel

I won’t let it stop me

We’ll get through it together

neuropsychologist confirmed.

‘I do get anxious,’ I admitted.

‘Plus, I had the new job and house to worry about.’

But Jamie was my rock.

‘We’ll get through all of this,’ he said, determined.

When an attack would leave me unable to speak, he’d smile or offer me a magazine.

Or I’d mouth ‘shower’ and he’d help me to the bathroom.

These days, I don’t blackout as much and my seizures are down to about three a week.

I used to have around six a day, so it’s a huge improvement.

I’m on anti-depressants for my

anxiety and things are starting to get better.

I still suffer with facial tics, shaking and hand tremors, but I’m on the list to see a psychologist.

Although, there’s an 18-month wait and it’s £95 for a private appointment with them.

I’ve set up a GoFundMe page to raise the money and so far, I’ve raised over £800 to help with all of the treatment I need.

At just 22, I feel like my life has been taken away from me.

I still can’t teach, but I won’t let my condition stop me.

I even plan on seeing the fireworks again soon!

What are Functional Neurological Disorders?

M

t is the name given for symptoms in the body which appear to be caused by problems in the nervous system but are not caused by a physical neurological disease or disorder. They are quite common, and for some the symptoms can persist for months or years.

KING IN YOUR GENES?

In your DNA

new research, drinking too much booze by a gene which a makes a pint of beer able than it should be. s of thousands of people had their genome researchers found that those who drank a lot ared six specific genetic variants. se twists in their DNA could help disrupt hways involved in reward and pleasure and could the reason why some people enjoy a tipple more han others.

47

TOOTH T

here is tons of information out there when it comes to taking care of our teeth, but how much of it is true? We’ve enlisted the help of dentist, Sally Rayment, to help sort the fact from fiction and debunk some common myths. Sally Rayment is a restorative dentist at The Implant Centre. (www. theimplantcentre.com)

hould brush your straight after eatin

FALSE

brush our teeth to remove aque, which is the sticky at forms on our teeth. e bacteria in this layer that sugar from your food and s it into acid, which causes cay. est time to brush your teeth is Chew gum before eating, as it will remov nd what you eat won't end up as cavity-causing acid. g said that, anything that increases the amount of ter eating will help neutralise any acid that's produced, ng sugar-free gum can help with this.

FALSE ct toothbrushing technique and a sm

harder you brush, the ner your teeth will be

Ask the expert

hbrush head is much more important than the amount ure you put on your teeth and gums. st way to ensure your teeth are as clean ssible is to use a good electric brush. ome electric brushes actually have essure sensors on them so let you know you are pressing too hard.

Brushing too hard can lead to loss of he gums around the teeth, which can ause sensitive teeth.

Take your toothbrush to your dentist to if it's adequate, and they can show you ost effective way of cleaning with it.

ALSE F technique removes most of the

Flossing isn't important

f ird o A th ooth t each der is un r you s gum

Fact or fiction?

Bad teeth are inherited

TRUE AND FALSE

we are asked daily by SIfomething very much depends on what the cause of the bad teeth is. you have dental decay, it is more likely that your lifestyle is to blame – poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, lots of snacking between meals and sipping on sugary drinks are just a few of the causes.

If you have gum disease, where you have lost some of the bone and gum that helps to support the teeth, then susceptibility to this can be inherited.

The severity of it can be made worse by poor oral hygiene and smoking.

If you have been told that you have gum disease, seeing your dentist regularly, ensuring optimal oral hygiene at home, and stopping smoking will help to make it less severe.

FALSE

You should avoid brushing bleeding g

S

o many patients say they have noticed that their gums are bleeding, so they have avoided brushing as a result.

This is an important myth to dispel, as actually, bleeding gums require more brushing!

Gums predominantly bleed as a result of inflammation caused by plaque – this is called gingivitis.

If plaque is left behind at the gum line, then this can cause inflammation and result in Keep cleaning bleeding gums.

The only way to reduce the bleeding is to brush the gums more to remove the plaque and allow the gums to recover.

If after doing this the bleeding does not stop, then do your dentist as there may be a more serious issue occur such as gum disease.

this very reason.

As a result, removing this plaque from in between the teeth is crucial for good oral health.

Flossing once a day will help reduce the amount of decaycausing plaque, however if you have larger gaps between your teeth then interdental brushes may be more effective.

Gold shelf, £18, George Home Peg board, £2, Poundland (attachments sold separately)

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49

Number jig

3 DIGITS 108 226 399 423 500 507 631 678 714 832 908

3

7

Just fo r

A survey of 2,000 parents by a supermarket has found that the average cost of throwing birthday parties for children until the age of 21 is what? Fit these numbers into the grid, reading across and down.

One number doesn’t fit. This is the answer.

4 DIGITS 1600 1620 4113 5186

6

FUN

6105 7350 7920 8100 9000 5 DIGITS 10950 11920 12525 15265 16051 17293 19425 21014 22005 23000 24115 51000

6 DIGITS 240474 572002 580183 705946 996785 7 DIGITS 2999189 4013728 7185356 9779452 8 DIGITS 58197072

Your answer __________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Answers on page 61

e u s s i t x e N

A WALK IN THE GRASS CHANGED

IMAGES: SWNS AND GETTY

L I R P APECIAL M Y LIFE FOREVER S

MARRIED AGAIN!

ROR

Real e,puzz es, as on, beauty,recipes,home,health... ONSALE19MARCH

Published by TI Media Ltd, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP (tel: 020 3148 5000). Website: www.ti-media.com Colour origination

by Rhapsody. Printed by Walstead UK Limited. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited. Distributed by IPC Marketforce. Pick Me Up! is a trademark of TI Media Ltd, and is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, resold or hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any other unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. Pick Me Up! does not assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations. TI Media Ltd reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any format or medium. Pick Me Up! does not have any direct link to charities mentioned and money donated is at your own discretion. © TI Media Ltd, 2018. ISSN no: 1750-1067.

Editorial complaints We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (https://www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Ltd 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

Font credits: Veteran Typewriter - Koczman Bálint

51

E C N A CH At 19st, Leanne Linds .. e. in el lif a er h ed d an h er g n ra st a en h T . bottom

WORDS BYLAEA MARSHALL IMAGES: SWNS AND ALAMY *NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

S

52

lowing my car to a stop, I rolled down the window.

‘A double sausage and egg McMuffin, and a large full-fat Coke, please,’ I said into the speaker.

A few minutes later, sat in the car park, I tucked into my delicious McDonald’s breakfast, ready to start my day.

After filling up, I headed across town to my job as a hairdresser.

‘I’m starving,’ I moaned to my colleague an hour later.

‘I haven’t eaten anything all morning.’

Of course, it was a complete lie.

But it meant that I could join her on a mid-morning trip to the bakery across the road, and tuck into a warm pasty without anyone judging me.

It was 2006, and for years, I’d been eating in secret, not wanting anyone to know how much I was actually gorging on.

What I wasn’t able to hide, though, was my growing frame.

It had all started when I was 16, going out with my boyfriend James*.

At the time, I was a trim and healthy size 6.

We were young and in love, but the magic didn’t last for very long.

The relationship became toxic, and to cope with how I was feeling, I started eating more and more. By the time I was 19, I’d gone up to a

eating habits.

‘Are you really having another size 12 – not massive, but much biscuit?’ he’d scold as I sat down on bigger than I’d been before. the sofa with a cup of tea.

That year, I fell pregnant, and ‘Don’t start that,’ I’d say, rolling thinking we were doing the right my eyes. thing, James and I got married.

It always ended in an argument.

Still, it wasn’t a happy By the time our daughter Summa relationship, and James would often was born in 2007, I’d ended up judge my resenting James, eating in secret just to spite him.

Every morning on my way to I was so work, I’d stop off for a full ashamed McDonald’s breakfast.

Back at the salon, I’d lie to my colleagues, telling them I hadn’t eaten anything.

Then throughout the day, I’d snack on crisps and chocolates.

I would even hide treats in my hairdressing trolley, snacking in between customers.

I’d drink about three litres of Pepsi a day, and on my way home from work, I’d stop for a pasty or sausage roll to eat on the way.

‘I haven’t eaten all day,’ I’d lie to James, so in the evenings, we’d tuck into huge cheesy dinners.

On weekends we’d get a Chinese or Indian takeaway, and I could easily get through three ne I did it for days. my daughter as my , dark ret.

No one new how much I was ating.

I was nhappy ith my ationship, was eating mpensate.

3, our

relationship had reached breaking point, and James and I got divorced.

By then, I was a size 20, and too afraid to stand on the scales.

After that, being a single mum to Summa, then six, I went on what you would call a ‘divorce diet’.

Suddenly feeling more in control of my life, I actually lost some weight without even trying.

But when I met my second husband, David*, in December that year, all the weight came piling back on – and then some.

I was finally happy, and David and I would often enjoy meals out together – but it meant that my waistline continued to grow.

Four years later, by 2017, I’d reached 19st.

And by then, my weight was starting to take a toll on my health.

I struggled to run around with Summa, and I felt like I was failing her as a mum.

I was missing out on her childhood, and it was all because of my weight.

It became so bad, I was even diagnosed by my GP with asthma and high blood pressure.

‘You need to do something about this,’ he’d warned.

But that was easier said than done. Later that year, I bumped into

R EAL LIFE

Before

The pounds melted away David’s ex girlfriend.

You always want to look better than your partner’s ex, but I definitely didn’t.

And she wasn’t nice about it at all, calling me a ‘fat dog’.

That night, I cried myself to sleep, absolutely mortified.

The following year, my second marriage came to an end, and once again, Summa and I were left on our own. She was such an active child,

After

and I couldn’t keep up with her.

‘It’s my school sports day!’ she beamed excitedly one morning a ew months later.

Eager to be there to support girl, I went along, stood on elines.

I didn’t know was that they’d scheduled in a mum’s race...

‘Please, Mum,’ Summa begged. ‘All the other mums are doing it!’

Not wanting to embarrass her, I reluctantly took my place at the starting line.

As the whistle blew, I heaved my body off the line, huffing and puffing for 100 metres, until finally, I’d reached the end. Looking

around, I quickly realised that not only had I come in last place, but now, all the other mums and kids were staring at me, looking rather redfaced and sweaty.

I was mortified.

Afterwards, as I gulped down a bottle of water, one of the mums, Stephanie, 33, came over to me.

‘I’m a personal rainer,’ she smiled, handing me a usiness card.

‘You should come o one of my classes ome time.’

‘Thanks,’ I smiled hyly, my cheeks urning up.

Back home, staring Stephanie’s phone umber, I thought out my life.

I’d allowed myself become obese, my alth was at risk, and w I was an mbarrassment to y daughter.

‘I’m going to give s a try,’ I said.

You can do it, um!’ Summa amed proudly.

So, a few mornings r, in the pouring n, I found myself in local park, ready to t Stephanie’s class.

Turns out, it was a body, high intensity workout, and as she put me through my paces, I thought I was going to die!

After all, I’d never exercised in my life!

After just an hour, I was in sheer agony.

But at the same time, strangely, I felt great!

Two days later, I went back for another class with Stephanie, and I’ve never looked back.

Stephanie and her partner Anthony also helped me overhaul my diet.

For breakfast, I’d have scrambled eggs with broccoli, followed by tuna with broccoli for lunch.

Dinner would usually be

I was in sheer agony

something similar, and during the day, I’d snack on handfuls of almonds and blueberries.

I was learning to cook with garlic and spices, and also learnt a lot about calorie counting.

Signing up to musclefood.com, I regularly bought their lean, highprotein meats, incorporating them into my meals.

Incredibly, in the first four weeks, I dropped a stone.

‘This is amazing!’ I cried.

A couple of months later, looking in the mirror, I started noticing my collarbones and hip bones.

‘I haven’t seen these in years!’ I laughed to myself.

I continued with Stephanie’s class and diet, and since then, I’ve lost an incredible 7 stone, and have dropped to a size 12.

Stephanie and I are actually really good friends now, which is no surprise really, as we see each other so often!

The day she handed me her business card was the day she saved my life.

Losing weight has eradicated my asthma, and the best part about it is that now I can finally be a proper mum to Summa.

Now 13, she’s been my rock through this, encouraging me every day to keep going.

I’ve even met a new bloke – Andrew, 32.

For a long time, I was in a very sad, dark and lonely place.

Losing weight has completely turned my life around and made me so much more confident.

I used to be the fat person getting nasty comments, but now people notice me for the right reasons.

Leanne’s diet BEFORE:

and egg Breakfast: Sausage McMuffin Mid-Morning: Pasty usage roll Lunch: Pasty or a sa away Dinner: Pasta or take ocolate Snacks: Crisps and ch ine Drinks: 3l of Pepsi, w

NOW:

eggs Breakfast: Scrambled with broccoli occoli Lunch: Tuna with br com lean Dinner: Musclefood. veg meat with steamed d Snacks: Almonds an blueberries Drinks: Water

53

BOILING

When David Viens jumped off a cliff, everyone knew he had something to hide…

I

t was a dramatic police chase that brought a gripping US case to its climax.

In a quest to discoverer what had happened to missing woman, Dawn Viens, the authorities had her husband David under surveillance.

They suspected he’d played a part in her disappearance two years earlier.

As David felt them closing in, he raced off in his car with the police giving chase.

He drove to a cliff edge where he leapt over a fence and dived off the 80ft drop.

The case could have ended there in his death, but incredibly, David survived.

And as he recovered in hospital, he made a shocking confession to the police...

David and Dawn met in the 1990’s and after they married, the hard-working couple started running restaurants together.

David cooked and Dawn was a friendly waitress.

Friends would later claim that their relationship was fiery, and David was prone to violence, but the police were never involved as Dawn always wanted their marriage to work.

Despite their problems, they managed to last over 14 years and settled in Lomita, a town in Los Angeles County.

In early 2009, they started to run the Thyme Contemporary Café together.

People would later testify that Dawn was leaving money with them rather than in accounts.

Was she preparing to leave David once and for all?

October 18, 2009 was the night that Dawn, then 39, disappeared.

The following day, she was

supposed to be accompanying her close friend Karen Patterson to an urgent doctor’s appointment.

Karen had just been diagnosed with cancer and Dawn wouldn’t have missed it.

She never turned up.

David claimed he loved his wife and was desperate to know where she was.

In fact, he knew.

Friends of David said he suspected Dawn of stealing money from the restaurant they owned.

‘I’ll kill that bitch,’ he was heard saying one day.

What happened later has been pieced together from various confessions.

David said that he’d got into an argument with Dawn at home and that she was ‘raising hell.’

In order to keep her quiet so he could get some sleep, he’d bound and gagged her with duct tape, then said ‘goodnight,’ before going to sleep.

When he woke up, she was dead.

In a sick attempt to hide what he’d do took her bod the restaurant, stuffed Dawn in a 55-gallon drum of boil water and weighed it do Then, for f days, he cook her body.

He boiled at night and in the

He was violent and she just wanted to escape his wrath

WORDS BY GAIL SHORTLAND IMAGES: GETTY

Was she leaving her husband?

54

The face of a true monster

day, when he was serving customers, he wheeled her away into a shed.

Eventually, he mixed the liquid remains with waste from the restaurant and poured it down the grease pit, and threw the rest in the rubbish bin.

He claimed to have kept her skull, but it’s never been found.

Police knew that Dawn was dead.

David claimed she’d left him, but she’d taken no clothes or money and there was no trace of her, but then

late , nken night, David confessed the crime to his daughter Jacqueline, 22.

At first, Jacqueline helped her dad – even sending texts from Dawn’s phone claiming she was starting a new life in Florida without him.

No one believed they were from Dawn.

Eventually, Jacqueline found the strength to go to the police.

By February 2011, David had a new girlfriend.

She was the waitress who’d got Dawn’s old job at the restaurant.

When they moved out of the Viens’ former home, the police were able to get access and they ound blood stains in

He boiled her dead body

Ma king of a ONS TER

He showed no remorse for his crimes

harged with firstdegree murder and his confession was played in his trial in 2013 in LA. Meanwhile, customers from the now closed Dawn was a restaurant kind woman discovered their meals had been prepared in a kitchen where a the bedroom and bathroom. corpse was cooking.

David’s past was about to catch During the two-week trial, David up with him. appeared in a wheelchair – but at Police leaked details to a local one point leapt out of the chair, paper so that they’d run a story questioning his real need for it. claiming they had a ‘person of Karen Patterson testified that interest’ in Dawn’s case. when Dawn went missing, And Jacqueline was told by the she’d gone to find Dawn at the police to phone her dad and tell him Veins’ restaurant. she’d confessed.

She’d seen David looking When David got the call and saw agitated with a burn on his arm the local paper, he panicked.

– he claimed Dawn had left He broke down and told Kathy. him for good.

They drove to a quiet spot He was Rancho Palos Verdes to talk. actually boiling ave chase and in her body. , David threw David’s lf off the cliff. recorded mazingly, even confession was a shattered leg, the highlight of n pelvis and various the damning s, he lived. evidence. king hospital bed ‘For some errogation, he reason, I just Dawn’s friend his crimes. got violent,’ Karen knew wly cooked it and I the court heard something oking her for four him say. was wrong stated. He was After two

weeks, David Viens, then 49, was convicted of second-degree murder, as jurors didn’t find enough evidence to suggest that it was a premeditated attack.

While Dawn’s sister sobbed, Viens made no reaction except to motion to his mum that he’d call her from his prison cell.

Karen Patterson told reporters outside of the court; ‘He treated her like a piece of meat and he got rid of her.’ Jurors claimed they

had trouble sleeping at night with the horrors in their mind of what he’d done to his wife.

Viens was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

He said he was confused and said; ‘I loved my wife. I didn’t cook my wife.’

Thankfully, Veins’ kitchen is well and truly closed for business.

Vigils were held for her

He survived his suicide attempt

55

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T

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56

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57

J ust for h c r a e s d r Wo FUN In Thailand it is illegal your house if you aren’t wearing what? The answer is the one missi from the grid below.

T R O U S E R S J

N H T U T H A E S

M A I S C A W T U

A T G T H E O S N

K E A I L I E C B

E W L L D O R T L

U R E I H R I T O

P R O S M E A T C

RED!

Y B L O U S E C K

When Sharon Ha from Pilling, Lancs, realised her beloved pup was missing, she was desperate to find him…

B

•BLOUSE •CARDIGAN •COAT •HAT •JEWELLERY •MAKE-UP •SHOES •SMILE •SUIT •SUNBLOCK •T-SHIRT •TIE •TROUSERS •UNDERWEAR •WATCH

wer

ustling around the house, I realised that I hadn’t seen my Border Collie for a while.

‘Red, where are you?’ I called out into the garden.

Usually, when I call him, he comes running over, but this time, there was nothing.

‘Could he be inside?’ I shouted over to my husband Ian, 50.

‘I don’t think so,’ he replied.

‘Actually, I haven’t

_____________________

Small crossword FUN

Solve the crossword, then read down the yellow squares to find the answer.

1

2

3

4

5 6 7

ACROSS: 1. Crossword box (4) 5. Military assistant (4) 6. Gin flavouring (4) 7. Succour (4)

DOWN: 1. Open wound (4) 2. Anger (4) 3. Billy ___, 1980s singer (4) 4. Far down (4)

Your answer___________________________ 58

Answers on page 61

WORDS BY LUCY BRYANT IMAGES: SWNS

or f t s u J

Red had vanished

seen him for a while now.’

ThatÕs not like Red, I thought to myself.

It was quite unusual as most of the time, Red was with me, Ian or one of our sons, Tom, 20 or Alex, 19.

Only, this particular Friday evening, there was no sign of him.

Not by the fire, or out in the fields on our horse and cattle farm.

‘I’m worried,’ I fretted to Ian. We’d only had Red for eight months, but he was well and truly one of the family.

As we lived in the middle of nowhere, I started to panic.

So, I gathered the boys and the four of us started to search for our missing pup around our 140 acres of land.

But there was no sign of him, so I decided to put a post on Facebook, hoping someone had spotted him.

As the hours passed, there was nothing we could do.

We’d looked everywhere and now it was pitch black outside.

‘We’re never going to find him now,’ I worried.

‘It’s too dark,’

R EAL LIFE

We won’t lose him again!

The rescue missio n Ian agreed.

So, we decided to call it a night.

But laying in bed, I couldn’t stop worrying about him.

And so, first thing the next morning, we all got up and went back out to look.

Then later that morning my mobile rang.

‘I think I’ve spotted Red down on Knott End beach,’ the lady said.

It was about a mile away from us, so we had no idea how he could have ended up there!

Hurrying down, we were met with a huge crowd of people.

They were all looking out at Red who was stuck on the water’s edge!

I couldn’t believe it.

Rushing down, we tried to get Red away from the water, but scared and disoriented, he started edging further in.

‘We’ve tried to coax him out the water, but every time we did, he went even deeper,’ a man in the

crowd told us.

Red was clearly confused, cold and hungry.

I just wanted to run and grab him, but with the tide coming in was a suicide mission.

‘What are we going to do?’ I panicked to Ian. It was torture watching on as Red had now entered into deep waters.

Time was ticking and he’d now been in the water for halfan-hour.

All we could see was his brown and white fur head bobbing up and down, desperately trying to stay afloat in the water.

Thankfully, a member of the crowd had called the RNLI and they had arrived to start the rescue mission.

‘The waves are too big for a lifeboat,’ a member of the team told us.

‘We’re going to have to go in the water instead.’

Suited and booted in dry suits, life jackets and safety lines, we watched

Red kept drifting further out to sea

He was lifeless as they made their way out to sea.

Only, every time they got closer to Red, he drifted further and further out in the waves.

Every time, his little head would disappear under water, before bobbing back up.

We could hear his cries from up on the shore.

‘This is torture,’ I cried to Ian, as we watched on.

Finally, we saw one of the team reach out and grab Red. Holding him close to his chest, the coastguards managed to get him back to shore.

He’d been in the water for an hour-and-a-half and had drifted 400m out to sea.

When they got back to shore, Red was limp and lifeless. Luckily, the

fire brigade had arrived with an oxygen mask that they use to help animals they’ve rescued from a fire.

‘Thank you so much,’ we obbed, as they carefully placed mask over his mouth.

Although Red was weak and vering, he was breathing.

So, we wrapped him in blankets d rushed him to the local vets.

‘Please do everything you can to save him,’ we begged.

Red was placed on heat pads to raise his temperature and given drugs to get rid of the sea water in his lungs.

Thankfully, after four agonising hours, he was deemed well enough to come home.

Back on the farm, we showered Red with cuddles.

By the next morning though he was back to his old tricks, running about the farm like nothing much had happened.

We don’t want to keep Red locked in the house, so we’ve fitted his collar with a GPS tracker, so we’ll never lose him again.

One search and rescue was enough for us!

59

March 2020 MeUp! astro oger a re Petu engro reads your month ahead!

Aries

March 21st - April 20th verything happens for a reason, but we don’t always need to know what the reason is. Enjoy the surprises as your life unfolds this month. I can assure you they are all with your best interests at heart. Time you spend on paperwork can help make your future a more secure one. You may feel older in some respects, but you are most certainly wiser. There is more of a routine to your life now and even though you may feel restricted, you actually have more freedom than ever before. Faith you show in a younger face pays dividends.

Taurus

April 21st - May 21st ith a sign such as you Taurus, when you love yourself and take care of yourself, other people will be attracted to your confidence. Remember though that you are a sign who doesn’t need to have another person to feel complete. You let someone in your life because you want them there! This needy nature you have been showing of late tells me that those around you are not doing anything for your confidence.

This month you gravitate towards those who do. Don’t feel guilty about it. You’re finally becoming you again.

Gemini

IMAGES: GETTY

May 22nd - June 21st

60

f you feel scared about what’s ahead, look to others who got there before you. You have not been using the contacts you built up in your past. Much of this has to do with the fact you have distanced yourself from past chapters, as you have tried to reinvent yourself and disassociate yourself from the pain that was inflicted upon you. It’s time to wear what you learnt as a badge of courage, as our pasts make us. If you take on board this fact this month, you can end February with your best mixing of the past and present you’ve ever had.

Cancer

June 22nd - July 23rd

f you want to change the world, first you have to change your ways.

I see from your stars that you have been allowing others to encourage the parts of your personality you don’t like to the fore. Your future is in your control, so make the decision (that you should have made last month) and distance yourself from those who you know bring out the worse traits in you. There’s a life out there waiting for you. Love makes you say and do things you’ve never considered before. This is your month to shape your future.

Leo

July 24th - August 23rd

mbrace the changes which the last year have brought your way. They have made you who you are today. Time you take out for you this month helps you to realise that you have been living life at too fast a pace. It feels good when you take your foot off the pedal from time to time, doesn’t it? Events which transpire around the 21st reveal the true colours of a new face and give you reason to put some distance between you. Better times in your personal life await as you start making choices that make you happy, not others. Make the most of your future.

Virgo August2

- September 23rd

orgiveness can help you find inner peace. If you start to forgive yourself or others this month, then I know that peace in your heart will follow.

You can’t change what happened, but you can change how you deal with the aftermath. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep eyes forward. Friends turn into lovers for some of your sign, as you realise you were looking everywhere but within your inner circle. Those who know you well, go out of their way to let you know you’re needed. A move of towns is being encouraged by Mercury soon.

Libra

September 24th - October 23rd

very day is a brand new day, so put yesterday behind you. Deal with tomorrow when it comes, Libra. Let this month be positive and productive.

Projects you start now help you to find joy in your work again. You no longer worry about having to play a part, but you realise it is your personality and your character that will get you up the next ring of the ladder of life. Uranus brings the past to mind with paperwork, or emotional issues you have to tidy up on someone else’s behalf. You now have an angel on your shoulder.

Scorpio October 24

November 22nd

es, there are stumbling blocks in front of you, but you have choices! What occurs this month is the chance for you to make choices. You don’t have to accept what is offered, unless you want to. But what occurs now will inspire you to investigate where the rest of your life can lead. Don’t be surprised if many of you Scorpios toy with the idea of moving abroad. Whether it’s now or in years to come, what you plan now will come to fruition. You can afford to dream big. You’ve learnt much in the last two years.

Sagittarius

October 24th - November 22nd our current blessings are far more powerful than your past regrets.

I don’t think you are looking at life from a good angle at the moment, and this has much to do with the negative company you have been keeping. Try to keep up with old friends who may just offer you an interesting invite if you show them you are still there. Attempts at making your home life a better atmosphere will prove most successful around the 23rd. Watch out for someone trying to claim money you don’t have. Stand your ground and get your facts. Get a game plan.

e l t t i L e M k c i P s!

U

RELIEF! Emma Spencer, 37, from Durham, was a personal trainer with a very personal problem…

A

My family are amazing

fter years of struggling with IBS, which resulted in many embarrassing situations, personal trainer Emma Spencer has finally found relief for it.

After being diagnosed with the condition as a teen, Emma struggled to go to the toilet and always felt extremely bloated.

‘It took a mental toll on me, too,’ she said. ‘I was so worried about passing gas at school and I felt so embarrassed all the time.’

As a personal trainer, Emma has always enjoyed a good, balanced diet,

It’s changed my life

which she now enjoys with her family – husband Kevin, 42, and kids Leighton, 13, Mason, 11, Abigail, six, and Lillie, two.

There were no obvious causes, and she she tried everything to alleviate the problem.

‘I was taking laxatives for years to try and help, but I gave that up after I gave birth to Leighton,’ she went on to explain.

‘My GP also gave me a gel to use, but that ended up giving me the runs. Stress made my IBS worse, and the longer it went on, the more stressed I became.

‘It was a vicious cycle.’

Emma says it was not unusual

for her to g whole weeks between clearing her bowels.

‘I felt constantly anxious about embarrassing work and social situations, where I feared I’d unwittingly pass gas,’ she admitted.

‘It was taking a toll on my mental health and I knew I needed to sort this out.’

In 2018, Emma saw an article about Alforex, a probiotic capsule that promised to help with IBS. ‘About three weeks after taking it, things really started to change,’ she said.

‘My bowel movements were regular and I was starting to feel

I was always anxious

WORDS BY HANNAH POON PHOTOS: SWNS

INTO THE

When Kelda Wood, 46, from Shropshire suffered a fatal injury, she refused to let it get her down…

I

’ve always been big into my sport and fitness.

As a professional horse rider, I absolutely loved being outside.

But then one day in 2002, when I was 30, all that came tumbling down.

I was out in the stables, sorting out the haystacks, when suddenly, one fell from the top and landed on my head.

Weighing over a tonne,

All of the participants inspire me

62

the haystack immediately crushed my body to the ground, shattering my left ankle as a result.

My leg was severely damaged, and I knew that my life had changed forever.

It was a long recovery and my ankle developed arthritis, so I wouldn’t be able to do all the sport I loved.

I’d lost my identity.

It was a tough journey and for the next nine years, I battled with my mental health, before training as an outdoor instructor and eventually climbing Kilimanjaro in 2010.

That’s when I came up with the idea for my charity Climbing Out. I knew there were people ke me who were struggling o accept an injury, disability

It’s been a long journey I’m so proud of myself

or trauma and I wanted to help.

So, I set up the five-day activity programme.

It’s mostly for people aged 16-30, who have a disability, injury, illness or trauma that they need to overcome.

We now have an over 30’s programme, too.

For five days, me and a small team take them out into the wilderness and do lots of fun activities together.

From climbing to canoeing, to even helping in the kitchen.

Although it’s about overcoming obstacles, it’s also about showing them they’re not alone in their recovery.

Since setting up the charity,

I’ve been inspired by the young people I work with.

I could have let it get me down, but instead, I climbed Mount Aconcagua in South America in 2017.

And last year, I became the first adaptive person to solo row around the Atlantic Ocean.

Rowing 3,000 miles alone for 76 days was tough and tiring.

But I raised over £50,000 for Climbing Out. Every day, I

NT FRIGHT So thankful

I’m so much happier

The alarm saved our lives

P

ulling up onto our drive, I breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Everything looks fine,’ I said to my husband Andy, 56.

Andy and I had been away visiting his family, and while we were gone, there’d been a huge storm in our area.

We’d been worried about our house, but, arriving home one afternoon in October 2017, we soon realised everything was fine.

‘I’ll just go up for a quick shower,’ Andy said as we walked in.

‘OK, I’ll get the heating on,’ I replied. ‘It’s freezing in here!’

As Andy headed upstairs, I went to the kitchen to switch on the AGA. While I waited for it to heat up, I grabbed our bags and took them upstairs.

‘Cup of tea?’ I called to Andy, who was now in the shower.

‘Lovely, thanks!’ he replied.

Heading back down, I swung open the kitchen door.

But as soon as I did, I knew something was wrong.

In a split second, I suddenly felt extremely nauseous.

I was suddenly seeing black spots, my vision became blurry, and my legs had turned to jelly.

It all happened in a matter of seconds, and I felt as if I was about to pass out.

Then, the carbon monoxide alarm went off.

I knew instantly what was happening – this was carbon

monoxide poisoning!

We’d had the alarm fitted back in 2010, when a close friend of mine tragically lost her daughter Katie to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Katie had just returned from her honeymoon, but sadly lost her life in a matter of minutes from the gas.

Her family had set up the Katie Haines Memorial Trust, to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide in the home.

And ever since then, Andy and I had been vigilant about our alarms.

And now, t sounding in o We needed Before pass managed to s out into the li room, where my phone.

‘Andy!’ I sc ‘We need to g Thankfully, heard the ala from upstairs came running down in just his towel.

I give them As I rang as gifts now British Gas, Andy and I dashed outside and waited on the drive.

An engineer arriv in minutes an

Just minutes from death

WORDS BY LAEA MARSHALL PHOTOS: SWNS, GETTY AND DEAN UZZELL

d for a ferent young erson, sharing heir story on social media.

Not only has it raised awareness of our amazing harity, but it’s elped me to nect with our ipants, too. , I would encourage them to be positive no matter what, but now I tell them that it’s OK not to be OK. Recovery takes time.

I may have a life-long injury, but I’m still me, and I can do whatever I want.

And so can you.

Visit: climbingout.org.uk

It was tough, but worth it

Kirsty Payne, 50, from the Cotswolds, wants to warn us all of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning...

WORDS AND PHOTOS: SWNS

much better.

‘I also noticed that my skin was clearer and my hair felt softer.

I put it down to my body being detoxed as my gut cleared out.

‘I was so relieved to have found something that worked.’

In July 2018, Emma even went on to complete a 5k Pretty Muddy Run for Cancer Research.

‘It was such an amazing feeling being able to do it,’ she said.

‘Alforex has completely changed my life.

‘I’m more confident and much much happier!’

switched off the gas.

‘The level of carbon monoxide in your kitchen is extremely high,’ he said.

‘This would have killed you in minutes.’

Terrifying.

It turns out there’d been a gas leak caused by a blockage in the flue of the AGA. Apparently, it was a common problem with the appliances.

The engineer fixed the leak and opened all the windows, and thankfully, Andy and I didn’t need any medical treatment.

After that, I was scared to go back in.

Over the next 48 hours, I suffered with a headache and was a bit shaky.

However, I think that was more down to the shock than anything else. and I could have died! lant about I certainly e always house is working de alarms, y have our er d properly. even ed giving bon noxide rms as fts to my iends and amily!

It’s such a simple hing, but it d save r life. certainly d mine.

63

Y L I M FA Los ng weight gave Natasha Pink, 36, from Farnborough, the best reward anyone could ask for...

WORDS BY LAEA MARSHALL IMAGES: SWNS

G

64

ently knocking on the bathroom door, my husband Ross called in.

‘Is everything OK in there?’ he asked.

‘No, not really,’ I sighed.

On the other side of the door, I was sat on the edge of the bath, staring at the single line on a pregnancy test – it was negative.

It was 2013, and Ross, then 30, and I had been trying for a baby for five years.

When we’d met in a nightclub back in 2004, we’d got together pretty quickly.

We married in May 2008, and decided to start trying for a baby right away.

But we were in no rush, so when the first year went by, we weren’t too worried.

Now, though, after five years, we were getting desperate.

After countless pregnancy tests, I was feeling deflated.

Emerging from the bathroom, I collapsed into Ross’ arms in tears.

‘It will happen soon, don’t worry,’ he whispered.

Not convinced, I headed downstairs to get dinner ready.

Filling up a plate of nachos, I topped them with melted cheese, then served them with a side of salsa and sour cream.

Tucking in, the oozing cheese

instantly melted my sadness away.

But this wasn’t the first time I’d been comfort eating.

When Ross and I had first moved into our own place together, I had no idea how to cook.

We relied on quick ready meals and greasy takeaways on most nights, and over the years, my weight started to pile on.

Then, ever since we’d started trying for a baby, I’d been finding comfort in food.

Every time a pregnancy test came back negative, I’d stuff my face with cheesy nachos, a pasta bake, or a packet of biscuits.

For breakfast, I’d usually make a fry up, before heading off to my job in payroll.

I’d usually have a high calorie sandwich for lunch, accompanied by a full-fat fizzy drink, followed by crisps and chocolates throughout the afternoon.

In the evenings, dinner would usually be something over the top – like a plateful of mac and cheese or a takeaway curry.

I wasn’t doing any exercise, either, and my desk job meant that I was hardly moving at all.

As the years went by, the weight piled on, and my clothes got bigger and bigger.

Every time I looked in the mirror, I felt so ashamed. But for me, losing

I stuffed my face to hide the pain

weight was always tomorrow’s problem.

And anyway, I had more important things to worry about – like why I was struggling to fall pregnant.

A few months later, Ross and I went to see a doctor.

‘Please help us,’ I begged.

‘We want to have a baby.’

Over the next few days, I had tests done on my fallopian tubes, and Ross’ sperm count was also tested.

In the end, though, the doctor couldn’t find a specific problem.

We were told we could undergo IVF, but there was a catch.

‘You need to lose some weight to be eligible,’ the doctor explained.

‘Surely I can’t be that big?’ I said, somewhat insulted.

But, standing on the scales in the doctor’s office, I was in for a shock.

I weighed 19st. Reading the

Before numbers, I burst into tears.

I’d been in complete denial, and I was so angry with myself.

I knew I was big, I just never realised how big.

And now, my weight was the only thing standing in the way of my dream of becoming a mum.

Wiping away my tears, I suddenly felt determined. ‘I have to

EAL LIFE

After do this if we want to have a family,’ I said to Ross.

But it was easier said than done.

Trying several diets over the next few months, nothing seemed to shift the weight.

I was impatient, too, giving up too quickly and reverting back to my old ways.

Finally, in January 2014, I came across Jane Plan, a bespoke diet plan that would not only organise my meals for me, but would send me the ingredients.

Soon I’d swapped my fry ups, meal deals and cheesy dinners for bowls of muesli, tuna, salads, bulgur wheat, and fruit.

Jane Plan also taught me so much about portion size and calorie control, and I soon started making my own decisions about what I was eating.

I even started exercising – fitting in half-hour walks during my lunch breaks.

And it wasn’t long before I started seeing the difference.

In the first two weeks, I managed to lose 7lb.

My dress size was getting smaller by the week, and my colleagues were starting to notice the difference.

‘You’re doing so well!’

ey’d say.

And I never once felt ke giving up.

My dream was to have baby, and if losing ight was the only way make that happen, then thing was going to stop from doing it.

And it was paying off.

Six months later, in July 2014, I’d managed to lose 6st.

At a healthy 13st, I was finally eligible for IVF. ‘I’m so proud of you,’ Ross smiled as we headed to the GP. There was a waiting period on the NHS, so I only had the treatment in January 2015, and by then, I’d dropped to 10st.

Losing weight had done the trick, and in March that year, sat on the edge of the bath again, a pregnancy test came back positive.

‘I can’t believe it!’ I cried,

bursting into tears.

Thankfully, the pregnancy went smoothly, and on 3 December 2015, all my dreams came true when our daughter Arabelle came into the world.

Holding her in my arms, she was absolutely gorgeous.

It was such a life-changing moment, and I’ll never forget it.

Having Arabelle home turned our lives upside down – but Ross and I loved every minute!

So much so, that we decided to have another baby, and underwent another round of IVF in January last year.

And once again, last March, a pregnancy test came back positive.

‘If I knew it was this easy, I would have lost this weight years ago!’

I laughed to Ross. Our

son Elwood was born on 3 December 2019, and was perfectly healthy.

Now just 12 weeks old, he’s such a happy little boy, and has completed our family.

He and Arabelle, now four, share the same birthday – something I We finally don’t think got what we either of them wished for will be very happy about when they’re a bit older!

Since joining the Jane Plan programme, I’ve lost a total of 9st.

I currently weigh 13st, but a lot of that is still pregnancy weight from having Elwood.

I plan on getting down to 10st again eventually.

I’m finally happy with the way I look, and am no longer stuck in a vicious cycle of emotional eating.

But the most important thing my weight loss has brought me is my beautiful children.

If I didn’t lose the weight, I wouldn’t have my family, and I would have regretted that for the rest of my life.

Visit www.janeplan.com

These two are my greatest gifts

The pounds melted away

65

Cocktail set, £27.95, yumbles.com

Coin purse, £13, wildandwolf.com

Pom hat knitting kit, £17.50, stitchandstory.com

Rosé wine hair mask, £3.99, Superdrug

Sunday 22 March

Wine bell, Gin and tonic candle, £5, Oliver Bonas £12, Oliver Bonas

S

Treat day voucher, £49.99, buyagift.co.uk

Star map, from £20, posterhaste.com

From pamper treats to tipple and snacks, show your favourite lady how much you love her...

Reed diffuser, £3.49, Aldi

Amazon Kindle, £69, AO.com

Chocolate prosecco and strawberries, £14.99, prezzybox.com

Charm bracelet, £19.50, Oliver Bonas

Prosecco popcorn, £4.99, prezzybox.com

STOCK IMAGE: GETTY

Handmade soap collection, £9.99, prezzybox.com

66

Mini rollerball trio, £19.50, Oliver Bonas

Mug, £2, Sainsbury’s

Tea for two, £11.99, prezzybox.com

ROYAL SPECIAL l ROYAL SPECIAL l ROYAL SPECIAL

MONTHLY SPECIAL SERIES

ROYA L

SPECIAL GROWING UP FAST! What the Cambridge really like

FE R G IEAR’ST FR ES H ST BUT WHAT ABOUT ANDREW?

DIANA

HARRY’S HEARTBREAK The full details of the royal split ✱ How he and Meghan REALLY feel

STORY OF A STYLE ICON

PLUS! ould the

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