Innehållsförteckning för January 2021 från Chat Specials

This past year has been tough, but if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that we’re a nation that pulls together. We’ve seen incredible acts of kindness from our neighbours, loved ones and even strangers. As we head into 2021, let’s all keep that spirit alive. Lucy (pg37) has dedicated her entire life to making people smile and last year, she stepped up to the plate. Bringing lockdown laughter to people’s doorsteps, she knew she couldn’t let the public down. Sometimes, the love of a family is the only thing that can pull you out of the darkness. Emily (pg56) knows all too well how true that is. After getting diagnosed with breast cancer, it was her husband and sons who helped her through it – along with the encouragement…

The Sue Ryder Online Bereavement Community provides advice and peer-to-peer support to over 111,600 people each year. After launching in 2015, it is a safe space where people who are grieving can come together to exchange messages, share feelings and support each other. The Online Community is free to join and is open 24/7, every day of the year. The Sue Ryder Online Community is there for people when their loved one is dying or has died and is a place to share experiences, get things off your chest, ask questions and chat to people who understand. Go to www.sueryder.org…

Anisha Bhanot, 29, London Flying 200ft in the air, me and partner Varun were soaring over Cheshire in a private helicopter for his 29th birthday, in August 2018. We’d been together for four years, but we’d known each other forever. ‘This is amazing!’ I shouted to Varun through the headset. ‘Look out of the window,’ he smiled, pointing to a field of wheat in the distance. As I looked down, butterflies rushed through me. The words, Anisha marry me? were carved into the crop! And as I turned around Varun was holding a box. ‘You make me so happy,’ he smiled, nervously. ‘Will you be my wife?’ ‘Of course I will!’ I cried with happiness. Disney made our day extra special I was over the moon and when the helicopter…

It was a turbulent marriage in crisis. Lori Gellatly had grown so terrified of her husband Scott that she had fled to her parents’ home for refuge with her baby twins. Desperate, she took steps to protect herself and her children, but it wasn’t enough. Scott hunted her down and aimed a gun at the woman Lori couldn’t live without – her beloved mother. Lori would make a sacrifice that summed just how special she was. Softly-spoken Lori, 32, was an environmental analyst in a marriage that was beyond repair. For Lori, Scott was her first husband, while he had been married before. He was already a dad-of-two when they’d met and the couple went on to have twins – a boy and a girl. Lori adored being a mum,…

Lucy Wilkinson, 40, from Lees Slipping into my costume, I was ready to head out for a hard day of work. Although I was only six-years-old, I was ready for a day of grafting. My job back then was to help the local clown with his comedy acts and performances. To the other kids, Trumble the Clown was just an entertainer, but to me, he was so much more – he was my dad. My dad, Arnold, 69, entered the world of entertainment just over 30 years ago. With a passion for making people laugh, we toured the country holding all sorts of comical shows. From magic, illusions and playing instruments – he was a hit. ‘Where’s my instrument?’ Trumble the Clown would shout to the crowd, pretending to not…

Tough confession Q My eight-year-old son has been diagnosed with mild autism. I feel so guilty to say it, as other parents seem to take it in their stride, but I am truly devastated. It’s such a blow to know that he’s going to struggle. Christine, Liverpool A First of all, don’t worry, it’s not just you! Many parents whose children are diagnosed with autism will struggle with this initially. Acknowledging the emotions that go with this diagnosis is healthy as you’re then not repressing how you feel. However, your son’s diagnosis does not mean he will always struggle; finding good support for him should make things easier on both him and you. The charity of which I am a director, Care for the Family, also offers support for parents…

Kay Longmore Lawley, 38, from Shropshire Watching my then two-year-old toddler bump into yet another wall, I feared there may be something wrong. ‘She’s always bumping into things,’ I said anxiously to my husband, Shaun, 38. At first, we thought Matilda was just getting her bearings and learning how to walk, but as time went on, she became increasingly clumsy. Most parents wait until their children are six-years-old to have their first eye test in primary school, but we decided to get a head start. Taking Matilda to our local Vision Express, they decided to give her a mild prescription to help her along. ‘Hopefully this will stop her bumping into things,’ the optician smiled at us. After that, we were told to go back every six months for a…

Serene waters Sitting by this stream gives me a chance to breathe in the fresh air and clear my mind. Irene, Guildford Delicious days It’s the perfect time of year for roast dinners every weekend. Heather, Bishop Sutton Impromptu trip My friend, Josie, suggested we went on a spontaneous boating day this weekend. Debbie, Slough Gorgeous gifts This is my adorable birthday present from my 10-year-old daughter Katie. Kimberly, Southampton Winter strolls There’s nothing like a Sunday afternoon walk in the winter sun. Clarissa, Bournemouth Oh hay! I’ve been loving helping my dad out on the farm. Xanthe, Bath Very cold pint Me and my boyfriend had to wrap up warm for a drink at the pub. Savannah, Norwich Snow days A special day with my best friends out in…

Ruby Mcguigan, 16, Cardiff Unpacking the boxes in our new home, I was relieved to finally be settling in one place. My dad, Ewan, worked for the Royal Air Force which meant we had to move around a lot – we’d lived in Turkey, Belgium, Cyprus and the USA. But now, it was October 2019, and we were finally able move into our new long-term home in Cardiff. ‘Can I finally get a tortoise?’ I asked Dad. Because we were constantly travelling around, I’d never been able to have a pet. Since watching Peppa Pig as a child, and spotting the character Tiddles, I’d wanted a tortoise. I had also always loved my nan’s tortoise, a female called Fred – which I’d always thought was an adorable name. Looking through…

TEE TOTAL! While Christmas might not have been as boozy as usual, you might still feel like you’ve been drinking too much. January is the perfect time to ditch the booze, and Dry January could give you the perfect excuse. Whether you want to be free of the dreaded hangover, reduce your waistline or simply boost your energy, going alcohol free for the month of January could be exactly what you need. More importantly, it’s a way to reset your relationship with alcohol and drink more healthily year-round. • To find out more visit alcoholchange.org.uk/ get-involved/campaigns/ dry-january or download the Dry January app: Try Dry. TOASTALLY AMAZING… Helping to spread a little joy, Lidl have launched a brand new chocolate orange spread as part of their popular deluxe range. Whether it’s on…

Deborah Ashley, 57, from East Northumberland Back and forth to the doctor’s surgery, I was desperate for answers. For nearly 13 years, I’d been suffering with back pain and struggled to do daily tasks. As a result, I’d piled on the weight and doctor’s dismissed my concerns. However, in 2013, I was finally referred to a physiotherapist, who decided enough was enough and carried out a thyroid test. After years of being told my weight and age were the reason for my back pain, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It meant I had an underactive thyroid, which was causing my pain and weight gain. ‘I want you to come off the pain killers and try this chilli cream instead,’ the physiotherapist told me one day. I have to admit, the…

SlimFast Meal bars and shakes deliver a healthy, convenient and effective route to weight loss and are packed full of all the essential nutrients your body needs. Take back control and give your mealtimes a delicious makeover with SlimFast’s range of Powder and Ready To Drink Shakes, SlimFast Snacks and SlimFast Starter Packs. • CHOC ORANGE MEAL BAR: Zesty orange crispy bar, half dipped in milk chocolate – Choc Orange lovers this way! Per serving: 218cal • VERY BERRY MEAL BAR: Crunchy crispies with pumpkin seeds and berries, drizzled in yoghurt. A delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal. Per serving: 225cal • ROCKY ROAD MEAL BAR: Chocolate crispies topped with marshmallows and dipped in chocolate – delicious! Per serving: 217cal • CHOC CHIP MEAL BAR: Crunchy crispies and chocolate…

lynne McConnell, 53, from Brighton Walking through the door after a long day at work, I couldn’t wait to get my bra off. It had been irritating me all day and I was even starting to find it painful. And with it off, I noticed a small pea-sized lump. Checking in the mirror, I could see the area where my underwire sat was inflamed too. Just a week before I found the lump, I’d been for my first mammogram and doctors had discovered a mass on my left breast – this was an extra worry I didn’t need. Thinking the lump was due to my tight bra, I left it, hoping it would go away on its own. But just two days later, I could see that it had gotten…

A Sky Full of Stars - Dani Atkins OUT FEBRUARY, £18.99 BOOKSHOP.ORG When Lisa married Alex, she gave his life meaning. She was a professional astronomer: a stargazer. And when she gazed at Alex, she saw that behind his tough exterior was a man she could love. Alex, Lisa and their young son Connor made a happy little universe. But then Lisa dies in a train crash, their universe is suddenly destroyed. Alex is shattered by loss, and overwhelmed by the difficulties of being a single father to a six-year-old boy. How can he and Connor carry on without Lisa lighting up their lives? Then Alex meets four strangers. Two men and two women, who never met Lisa, but whose lives changed profoundly because she died. As Alex…

There are so many benefits to cutting down on excess sugar, including weight loss, increased energy levels, clearer skin and better sleep. Leisa Cockayne is a qualified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who offers tips across her social media on how to reduce your sugar intake along with delicious sugar free recipes. There is also Leisa’s widely popular 21 Day Sugar Detox plan which resets your metabolism and palate whilst breaking the sugar addiction cycle. Find out more at makemesugarfree.com BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING SERVES 2 YOU’LL NEED... • 3 small slices slightly stale sourdough bread • 30g soft butter • 2 bananas mashed • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa & cacao powder • Handful hazelnuts (toasted) • 2 eggs • 8 dates • 1 banana • 1 tin full fat coconut…

Itchy feet Q My son keeps getting athlete’s foot and I can’t seem to get rid of it. What can I try? Lucie, Poole A Poor guy, this must be uncomfortable and troublesome. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that is commonly seen with moist peeling skin between the toes and can sometimes have an unpleasant smell, too. For many it’s just itchy, but for some it can be painful. The usual solutions are: avoiding tight socks and footwear, taking time each day to leave footwear/ socks off, to wash daily and dry thoroughly with a clean towel, and using creams and powders regularly to treat the fungus. If these aren’t working, then please do go see your GP as your son may need skin scrapings to identify the specific…

Macular disease or macular degeneration is a common eye disorder among people over 50, however it can affect those from all ages. It causes blurred or reduced central vision, due to thinning of the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight. The disease may first develop in one eye and then go on to affect both. Over time your vision may worsen and affect your ability to do daily activities. However, this does not mean you’ll lose your sight altogether.…

Ari Liggett pulled out the cleaning products and started scrubbing the bathroom sink in the home he shared with his mum, Beverly. He scoured every inch of the floor and made extra effort when it came to the bath. To many people it would look like a thoughtful thing for a 24-year-old to do for his mum. But not all was as it seemed. After Ari was done, he went downstairs and popped a handsaw in the dishwasher. Ari had just used it to cut up his mother’s body in the bath and it seemed to him a logical way to get her blood of the blade... Beverly Liggett, 56, had a complex relationship with her son. They lived together in Centennial, Denver but it wasn’t a home of harmony.…

Forcing my shorts down, he pushed himself into me. ‘Stop!’ I begged. He wouldn’t. He raped me. I wept tears as he clambered off me. He began chatting away: ‘Let’s move away and start a new life.’ ‘Yes,’ I agreed, hoping he would calm down. Then his phone went – it was his friends calling him to join them. Before answering, he leant into me and spoke. ‘You’re not going to ring the police, are you?’ he said. ‘No,’ I sobbed. Not believing me, he replied: ‘I’m going to lock you in here.’ ‘Please, I won’t talk to the police,’ I urged. He began pulling my tops and trousers out of the dresser in the bedroom. ‘I’m going to burn your clothes,’ he said. His way of stopping me from…

This fluffy creature got tangled up in meshing and was trapped by his foot in a back garden recently! The ‘feisty’ animal was unhurt but took a liking to SSPCA officer Stuart Louch’s glove. A homeowner alerted the SSPCA to the stricken animal in Doune in Perthshire on November 5 last year. Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Stuart Louch, said: ‘We were alerted to the pine marten after a member of the public spotted the animal trapped in a bird feeder in their garden by his foot. ‘Pine martens can be quite feisty and it took some effort to get hold of the animal safely and remove him from the feeder without causing any injuries to the marten or myself. Understandably, he wasn’t too pleased at being stuck in a…

Bag a bargain this New Year! Award-winning personal stylist Lisa Talbot answers all the questions we want to know about shopping in the sales… IS IT STILL IN FASHION? Avoid buying ‘high fashion’ trend items in the sale. High fashion items are normally only in style for one season, so by the time it’s in the sale, it’s not hot anymore! Opt to leave these on the rail. DO YOU REALLY NEED IT? Before going shopping, I would advise checking your wardrobe first. Make a list of items that need replacing and items that you are missing that could bring existing items up to date. Then you’ll only buy what you need! WHAT SHOULD YOU BUY? Look for your classic items! Jeans, quality knitwear, basic tees and timeless jackets. The…

Heather Whittaker, 47, Basildon Standing on a golden beach in Saint Lucia, I married my best friend. Me and Pete had been together since we were 15. We were the best of friends and as we stared into each other’s eyes with the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, it was perfect. ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife,’ the officiator smiled. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Although Pete suffered from cystic fibrosis, the two of us lived a full life. We decided early on not to have children, but Pete was more than enough for me. Jetting off on exotic holidays, Pete refused to let his illness hold him back. He’d first been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was three-years-old. It meant he had…

Staying connected As the days draw shorter and we remain limited to who we see due to COVID-19 it’s vital we take initiative to look after ourselves and stay connected this winter. TVs Dr Hilary Jones wants to share his top tips which he says are crucial to good mental health and wellbeing. Get out and about Embrace nature and alert your senses to the world around you. Being outdoors has been shown to boost physical, mental and emotional health – even if it’s just a 10-minute walk. Listen out for others Pick up the phone and stay connected with friends and family – now is the prime time to keep an eye on loved ones and their mental health. Doing a little can really mean a lot. Stay active…

Gemma Gould, 28, Duffield Audrina began complaining about pains in her right leg when she was three years old. She was a healthy, happy girl and didn’t grumble or complain very often. ‘It must be growing pains,’ I told her dad Zach, 30. Just before Christmas in 2017, the pain escalated. Audrina got really sick and never got better. From then onwards, it was infection after infection. When Audrina had a chest infection and felt poorly, she would curl up on the sofa watching Star Wars. She would be mesmerised by the stormtroopers and their story on the television would distract her from the pain. ‘Let’s watch Star Wars!’ I’d smile, when she felt down. On days where she had more energy, she would play football with her brother Oscar,…

Inspired by The Home Edit and the Marie Kondo movement, Brits are striving to be more organised than ever. Now, fridges aren’t just functional - they can also look pretty fabulous. To help us achieve enviable fridge organisation and minimise food waste, FoodSaver has shared advice on how to keep food fresher for longer. These tips are worthy of cleanfluencers everywhere! Keeping it cool Experts say we should set our fridges to 5°C or below as this is the optimum temperature for storing food. Maintaining this temperature is vital as even a slight change will result in some foods going off. Your fridge should also be a spill-free zone. Spillages lead to germs which can accelerate the speed to which food goes off. Make sure you’re keeping on top of…

Chilli prolongs life Anew study, by the American Heart Association, has discovered that chilli may make you live longer! Records of over 570,000 individuals around the world were used to compare chilli pepper eaters with chilli pepper avoiders. The findings have shown that those who do eat the heat are 26% less likely to die from cardiovascular illnesses, 23% less likely to die from cancer, and have a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality. Previous studies have also found that eating chilli pepper has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer and blood-glucose regulating effect due to capsaicin, which gives chilli pepper its characteristic mild to intense spice when eaten. Healthy baking If you’re one of the many people who started baking back in March, then this Strp’d Tigernut Flour is for you. It…

Emily Makin, 28, Wigan Grabbing two chocolate bars out of the snack cupboard, I ran into the living room to break up a fight between my sons, Harrison, three, and Freddie, two. I know it’s not the best solution, but when you have two kids under five, you’ll do anything for a bit of peace and quiet. As much as it’s a daily occurrence, I don’t mind, in fact, I am thankful for every single second I have with them. After all, two years ago, I wasn’t sure I’d get to watch them grow up. It was July 2018, and I’d been married to my amazing husband AJ, for three-and-a-half months. Not only that, I’d spent the past year losing an incredible 7st 6lbs with Slimming World. We had two…

FILM AND TV 1 How many episodes of Game of Thrones are there? a 50 b 98 c 73 2 In what year did Coronation Street first air on ITV? a 1960 b 1971 c 1968 3 Which former teen heartthrob appears in 2020’s Tenet? a Taylor Lautner b Robert Pattinson c Zac Efron 4 How many Pirates of the Caribbean fi lms have been released? a Five b Three c Four 5 Who hosts the ITV dating show Take Me Out? a Harry Hill b Dermot O’leary c Paddy McGuinness 6 Ant and Dec first worked together on which children’s TV drama? a Waterloo Road b Byker Grove c Grange Hill 7 In Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which of the dwarfs does not have a beard?…