Innholdsfortegnelse for Autumn Special 2017 i Pick Me Up! Special

There are times in your life when you have to dig deep for a strength that you didn’t even know you were capable of. We applaud the bravery of Stacey (pg10) whose actions saw her dad convicted of sickening abuse. Faye (pg34) fled from the man who she thought would always protect her after he threatened to cut their unborn baby from her stomach. This month Cheryl (pg36) is speaking out to warn other parents after her daughter suffered life changing injuries after swallowing a battery. While Anna (pg18) explains the inspiring reason why she live-streamed her smear test on the internet. Sophie (pg40) was unlucky when she crossed the road into the path of a drunk driver. But luck was on Hazel’s side when she needed it the most…

“Romeo was a brilliant baby” “He had a bleed on his brain” At 18, with a summer of travelling ahead of me, I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend. And I certainly wasn’t interested in Luke Honeychurch. In 2013, he’d come to spend a few months in Newquay –my home town – with his sister, and we had mutual friends. But, despite initially thinking he was a bit gobby, he was actually funny and outgoing. ‘We’re going out if you want to come?’ he said one night. We started hanging out together, just having fun. Neither of us wanted anything serious… ‘I’m off in June,’ I told Luke, then 21, from the start. I’d booked to go to Thailand and Australia with mates. I couldn’t wait! Before long, Luke moved back…

In April last year, I trimmed a Cypress tree in my back garden. But two days on, I’d got a call from Fife Council. Someone had complained about the foliage on my back lawn. You see, I’m a sculptor, so I like to create new things. I didn’t see a pile of wood, I saw potential! The dangly leaves and branches could suit a fluffy creature. Then it hit me… A woolly mammoth! I immediately set to work. I built a framework for its body then layered up the branches to act as his shaggy fur. Being in the front garden meant passersby stopped to ask what I was doing. ‘I wish I had a neighbour like you!’ a kind lady commented one day. Five days on, I’d completed 8ft…

Buttoning it down When ironing a button-up shirt, flip in inside out t o easily iron over the button side. Laura Stevenson, Birmingham Suck it up Use a straw to stop your necklaces from getting tangled. Great for your travel bag. Leslie Dean, Barnsley Treatment for tarnish I rub my tarnished cutlery in cotton wool soaked in vinegar to make it nice and shiny again - works great! Vickie Waters, Wellington As cool as a cucumber I always have a few slices of cucumber when I have a sore throat. It's so soothing and cooling. Cucumbers also work great to stop itching. C. Long, Stratford Just a spoonful of sugar. Have a teaspoon of sugar straight after eating something spicy. It completely neutralises the heat sensation. Megan Garner, Middlesbrough Saved…

It was an important message I was nervous about the public's reaction Staring at my test results, my heart thumped. ‘What does it mean?’ I asked the doctor, panicking. I was in my mid-20s, and a routine smear test had found abnormal cells. Do I have cervical cancer? Am I dying? It was terrifying. My doctor explained that abnormal cells aren’t harmful, and often go away on their own. But, without treatment, there was a risk they could eventually turn into cervical cancer. ‘This is why it’s important to have a regular smear test,’ the doctor explained. I needed laser treatment to cauterize the abnormal cells, and a colposcopy to examine my cervix. After, to my relief, I was given a clean bill of health. Relief! But I knew that…

Up, up, and away! Balloons Around the World Day was started in 2000 to celebrate the joy that these simple inventions have brought into people's lives. There's no one who doesn't enjoy a bright colourful balloon in their day, and they bring a smile to just about anyone - no matter how old they are. Why not start off your day by bringing a bunch of balloons to your office and watching them brighten up everyone's day? Or if you're feeling especially adventurous, why not check out any hot air balloon charters in your area and give yourself an incredible lift? No matter how you choose to celebrate, balloons are sure to bring a smile to your face! Some popping records • In February, 1 268 people from Prestonwood Church…

‘Kacie started throwing up blood’ My two-year-old daughter Kacie climbed onto my lap for a cuddle. ‘What’s wrong, sweetie?’ I asked as she buried her head in my chest. She had not been her usual bubbly self all morning. Later that day, she started throwing up and having bad diarrhoea. I thought she just had a tummy bug. Our GP agreed, and prescribed a course of antibiotics. But, a few days on, I found Kacie struggling to breathe. Trying not to panic, I rushed her straight to Derby Hospital. ‘It’s probably pneumonia,’ a consultant told me. Kacie was taken for an X-ray. Sick with worry, I stayed with my little girl all night as we waited for the results. Then, at 3am, a doctor came to speak to me. ‘Kacie’s…

• THEY SAY: These lozenges are effective in eliminating bad breath - including strong food odours such as garlic - morning breath, and smoker's breath. Pop one in your mouth whenever your mouth tastes unpleasant and the unique three-step formula restores fresh breath instantly. • YOU SAY: 'These tasty lozenges come individually wrapped, so you can just pop a few in your handbag and you're good to go!' Debbie, Portsmouth • WE SAY: These lozenges not only eliminate bad breath - they're also sugar-free, gluten-free, and diabetic friendly – a fab product all around!…

CALMING NEUTRALS Neutral schemes can look chic and when paired with heather and taupe accessories, you create a soft feel. Try layering different tones of white. It makes for a beautiful soft space while keeping a feeling of light and space. GO RICH AND DARK Create a snug area by going dark. Introduce antique frames, leather seating and wood to give a comfortable old world aesthetic. Warm up your living room with plum tones, and soften with greys, browns, and linen accessories. EARTHY TONES Rich, earthy colours feel naturally cosy at this time of year, especially in the evenings when it's lit by soft lighting. Try a warm, russet red on the walls to set the mood, teamed with textured linens, chunky knits and accents of copper and wood. COUNTRYSIDE…

Happy hedgehog birthday! Happy third birthday to my hedgehog Rustle! He was rewarded with a few delicious worms for his special day. He’s such a sweet little guy and I love him to bits. Ailie, Arlesey Mysterious visitor We seem to have had a visitor. We discovered these sweet little footprints outside our front door early one morning. Lisa, Swindon Thanks for well wishes Family members always buy me a Toblerone when they return from a holiday, but the message written on this one seemed bit strange… I’ll try not to take it too personally! Kim, Boston Bath time companions These little animals have been a lifesaver in getting my two young boys to agree to having a bath. I have to admit, I find them quite sweet as well.…

My brave son fought for his life Shortly afterwards, Luke arrived at the hospital and we called our families. ‘I can’t go to Bristol as I’ve got a Jobseeker’s appointment tomorrow,’ Luke said. ‘Fine,’ I muttered. All I cared about was Romeo. As Romeo was taken to Bristol, my brother Jamie, 24, drove me there. At the hospital, doctors confirmed the bleed on Romeo’s brain. ‘We don’t know how it’ll affect him,’ they said. I burst into tears. Already poorly Romeo was having seizures and was on life-support. ‘It looks like shaken baby syndrome,’ I was told. ‘What?’ I gasped, horrified. I’d never hurt my precious boy. But would Luke? ‘What did you do?’ I snarled when he arrived later. ‘I didn’t do anything,’ he snapped. Thankfully, my brave boy…

My boy is a little legend Most kids love jumping and climbing trees. But my daughter Jada, now six, and son Callan, four, will climb anything and everything! Furniture, the door frames, banisters…You name it, they’ll climb it. The pair run rings around their mum, my partner Nicola Parker, 26. ‘Just like Daddy!’ I like to tease her. When I was 16, I got into Parkour, a fast-paced discipline that involves performing acrobatic feats in urban areas, often leaping between tall buildings. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush! Now, as a qualified Parkour instructor, I teach the skills to kids and adults at Paramount Parkour in Kingston. In February last year, I heard through a fellow trainer that ITV was launching Ninja Warrior UK. Based on a Japanese TV show, it’s…

1 Write it down Write down every purchase you make. At the end of the month, look at your list and decide where you can cut down. 2 Weekly menus Plan out your meals for the week. That way you know exactly what to buy and won't be tempted to fill up your trolley with things that are not needed. 3 Share the load Buy bulk with a friend. Bulk items are only worth buying if you use them before they expire. Shop with a friend and split the perishable items such as dairy products. 4 Homemade drinks Instead of buying expensive bottled drinks at the supermarket, flavour tap water with lemon, lime, or mint. 5 Stock up Instead of tossing them in the bin, save potato peelings, carrot ends,…

The pain in her leg just wouldn't go away I still remember our first date so clearly… Feeling like the luckiest man in the world on a night out at our local pub, then walking home in my socks because my new shoes were hurting, and Ali and I laughing about it together! I think I knew from that moment that we belonged together. She was 19, a nursing auxiliary on a children’s ward. I was 22 and an HGV driver. We just clicked. Kind, funny, and with a warm smile, Ali was everything I wanted. Ali was already pregnant by the time we got married in August 2001. When Ellise arrived in March 2002, we were overjoyed. Then Christopher came along two years later, making life even better. We…

‘Passing my driving test was my downfall’ ‘It was extreme but it totally worked’ Pulling into the driving test centre, my stomach was flipping nervously. Then. . . ‘Congratulations, you passed,’ the examiner beamed. ‘Yes!’ I cheered. It was the moment every teenager dreams of – passing their driving test. Freedom! I was 18, and immediately treated myself to a pink Corsa. I loved that little car and drove it everywhere – even two minutes to the local shop. Trouble was, I was already a size-16. My curves had never bothered me, but now I didn’t have to walk anywhere, I became lazy. Size16 soon became 18, and then size 20. I didn’t eat well, either. I skipped brekkie, had crisps and biccies for lunch, and junk food for tea.…

‘I heard the screech of tyres then a bang’ What is it with teenagers and their headphones? ‘You’ll end up damaging your eardrums with that din ’ I was forever telling my daughter Danya, 14, not that she could even hear me over the clatter of her music. It was February this year. Danya was crashed out on the sofa listening to music through her headphones. Again. But she was 14. I never listened to the advice my mum gave me when I was her age! Half an hour later, I’d dragged Danya off the sofa to walk with me to the Co-op at the end of the road. I’d left my little boy, Ashby, four, at home with his dad, Danya’s stepdad and my fiancé, John. We stopped to…

‘No more hair meant I wouldn't do it any more’ My friend, Sian, didn’t look too sure. ‘Do you really want to do this?’ she asked. ‘Really,’ I nodded. ‘It’s only hair.’ She took a deep breath and switched on the electric razor. But as my hair started to fall from my head to the floor, I realised that this wasn’t just about hair – it was about me. I’ve been pulling out my hair since I was 10 . I don’t remember how it started. ‘You’ll have no hair left,’ my mum, Karen, now 54, told me. Whether I was watching telly, sat in the car, or doing my homework, my hands would always wander up to my head and start pulling at the strands. There were thick tangles…

Finally quit After 20 years, I've decided to give up smoking, but how do I even start to break the habit? Tara, Glasgow Stopping smoking can be difficult, as nicotine is extremely addictive. If you’re finding stopping smoking difficult, then your pharmacist can help. It has been proven that combining Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with one-to-one support increases your chance of quitting by up to four times more than if you go it alone. All Lloyds Pharmacy stores offer free Stop Smoking advice. We can provide advice on boosting willpower and how to avoid triggers, tips for controlling your cravings and guidance on managing withdrawal symptoms. A real pain I love spending time in the garden but I'm always scratching myself or getting splinters. How do I know if it's…

Leading support charity Breast Cancer Care has launched the first app of its kind to help people move forward after a breast cancer diagnosis. The innovative Breast Cancer Care App (BECCA) allows users to flick through bitesize tips on topics like exercise, diet, and mental wellbeing. David Crosby, Director of Services and Engagement at Breast Cancer Care, says: ‘The people we support tell us that, when you've finished breast cancer treatment, getting back to ‘normal' can feel like a huge mountain to climb. Many expect to be relieved, but instead can feel scared about what lies ahead. The aim of BECCA is to help people feel healthier and more ready to move on with life after a diagnosis.' The BECCA app can be downloaded now from iTunes and Google Play.…

Should I keep pushing? Laura, 33, Perthshire My sister is married to a man who doesn’t deserve her. He’s been unfaithful, wastes their money and sometimes disappears for days at a time. I know she lacks confidence and they have children together, but I would support her if she wanted to leave. Problem is, she says she loves him. Should I keep pushing until she sees sense? YES Pick Me Up! reader Nicole from Suffolk says: As a good sister, you need to help. Your sister seems to be blinded to this man's appalling treatment of her, and she needs your help to see sense. Tell her how you feel about the situation, making sure she knows that you would stick by her if she chooses to leave him. NO…

What is hygge? ygge has been a way of life in Denmark since the H 18th Century. Hygge, pronounced hoo-gah, very roughly translates to cosiness. It's the content feeling you get in a relaxing atmosphere, either alone or with friends. Danish winters are long and dark, but the country consistently ranks as the happiest place in the world. So give hygge a go! SWITCH OFF You can't truly feel relaxed if you're constantly checking social media. For hygge time, technology must be turned off. Focus on being in the moment and really start to relax. Snuggle up with a book instead, or even try knitting. FUN FUEL The Danish love tucking into cinnamon buns or having dinner with friends. Hygge is feeling happy, and eating plays a big part! At…

‘Our furry visitors mingled with guests’ Ever since I was a little girl, I have always adored all types of monkeys. ‘That’s because you are one!’ teased my twin sister Kayleigh. Over the years, I’d collected monkey toys, key rings and other knick-knacks. Working as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, in summer 2010, I went on various day trips with children and staff from the local area. It was there that I met Jamie, 26, our team leader. He was sweet, with a good sense of humour. But after a team night out in August, I didn’t see him again. Then in May 2012, he sent me a Facebook message asking if I wanted a catch-up. I thought it was work-related, and when Jamie said we should meet in the…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 April The 5th delivers excitement and attention, however October is predominantly about partnership, and working together. This should prove easy - bar the 19th, which presents resistance. Focus on positive futures for your pairings around this date. You'll soon be leaning into trust, bonding evermore closely in key relationships. Taurus 21 April - 21 May Your sex appeal is sky-high entering October; expression comes easily, so embrace private moments with a special suitor. You're heading into a growth cycle for partnership, and over the next year you will learn the true essence of joining forces. Meanwhile, add the final touches to an important project that's been keeping you busy. Gemini 22 May - 21 June It's a romantic time for Gemini - try to enjoy…

“Finally he was acting like a loving father” “I followed his demands like a puppet” I was just ten when I found out my ‘dad’ wasn’t my biological father, and I was devastated. Garry had taught me how to ride a bike and tucked me in at night, but it was all a lie. Mum told me a man called Peter, 57, was my dad. He lived in a big house in a nice part of the town. ‘I want to meet him,’ I demanded, feeling angry. Mum refused. After weeks of slamming doors and refusing food, she finally gave in and I heard my real dad’s voice for the first time. ‘Hello darling. I’ve missed you,’ a gruff, old-sounding man said. My relationship with Mum and Garry had withered…

I scoffed takeaways at night For my daughter Charlotte’s 11th birthday, my fiancé, Jaime Brown, 34, and I bought her the smartphone that she had wanted. As I drove home later that day, Charlotte snapped a photo of me, unawares, and showed me. Spying my double chin and bulging belly, I was repulsed. ‘Delete it, now!’ I ordered. I’d once been a size 12, but since having Charlotte, Chloe, nine, and George,two, I’d grown to a size 18. Scoffing takeaways at night, my 5ft 3in frame wasn’t carrying it so well. So three days later, I signed up to Slimming World. Weighing in at a shocking 13st 9lbs, I was determined to stick at it. Back home, I snapped a secret selfie to keep me focused. I swapped takeaways for…

I was trying to avoid the dangers of sunbathing These days, you’d have to be daft not to realise the dangers of sunbathing. But I still liked that golden glow, so I bought it in a bottle. I’d tried many different fake tans and found the sprays easiest to apply. When shopping, I’d always stock up on supplies. On Sunday 29 May 2016, I was preparing for a meal out with some friends. The sun was out, so I dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. Only, looking at my legs and arms: so pasty and white! I found a product I’d never used before - St Tropez Instant Tan Wash Off Face & Body Spray - in the bathroom cabinet. I’d bought it for just £10 about a month earlier.…

STRICTLY FUN Take a trip to the top of the Blackpool Tower and experience the thrilling SkyWalk - walk out onto the glass viewing platform to take in stunning views of the famous Blackpool Promenade below you. Step into the glitz and glamour of the famous Tower Ballroom - perfect for Strictly fans! Or if you dare, descend into the Tower Dungeon, where an amazing cast of actors and special effects are sure to impress the whole family. It's hilarious and sometimes a bit scary! • Tickets from £8.96 • www.theblackpooltower.com SKY HIGH London's Sky Garden is a unique space that offers a 360-degree view across the city. Wander around the exquisitely landscaped gardens, observation decks, and open-air terraces of what is London's highest public garden. Situated on Fenchurch Street, the Sky…

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Penne and Peas Serves 4 • 1 tbsp light olive oil • 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced • 2 courgettes, sliced thinly • 400g can chicken in white sauce • 75g low fat cream cheese • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper • 400g can garden peas in water, drained • 50g Italian grated cheese 1. Boil the penne following the instructions on the packaging. 2. In the meantime, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and courgettes, frying for five minutes until starting to brown. 3.Add the chicken in white sauce, cream cheese, garlic and black pepper, then stir and simmer for five minutes. 4. Drain the penne along with the peas and stir well into the sauce…

‘I didn't want to judge him on his past’ ‘He pointed the shard of glass at my baby bump’ Raymond Hawksey had a reputation for being tough, and that’s what attracted me to him at first. In July 2010, I was in a dark place. The year before, I’d been sexually assaulted in a random attack, but despite my attacker being caught and jailed, after, I was a nervous wreck and suffered with terrible anxiety. I need a strong man to look after me, I thought. I’d known Raymond for years through friends. When he asked me out for a drink, I jumped at the chance. Raymond had a wicked sense of humour - always cracking jokes. ‘You’re gorgeous,’ he’d tell me. Things moved quickly. Within months, Raymond had popped…

‘I was trying to live my life’ When Aaron Swift said sorry to me, I was completely stunned. ‘Can you believe he’s actually apologised on Facebook?’ I cried to my mum Joanne, 47. He’d found my profile. Then sent me the phoniest-sounding ‘sorry’ ever. ‘Hi it’s Aaron Swift’, it read. ‘I am really sorry for what I have done I never ment for it to happen it was a stupid mistake which I will regret for the rest of my life hope you are ok I wish you the best [sic].’ The thing is, I wasn’t OK. Because in July last year, he’d run me over, then driven off. I’d been on a rare night out with my mate Molly, 22. Rare because I’d been diagnosed with leukaemia aged 12,…

Supporting someone through a bereavement can feel like a daunting prospect, but there are lots of ways you can offer comfort. Most importantly, the last thing you should do is avoid them. Any form of contact is essential for their recovery, even if all you do is say how sorry you are. BE HANDS ON With so much to organise, try to offer practical ways you can help, such as bringing round a cooked dinner they can put in the oven, taking their kids to school, or offering to run errands. Gently ask if they would like you to go with them to make funeral arrangements and offer to accompany them on the day. TIME TO LISTEN Crucially, it's important to listen to those who have suffered a loss. Don't…

‘Helping others is so important’ Jade was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in 2014, and life had been a tough challenge since then. The rare tissue condition means her joints dislocate almost every time she moves. It often leaves the teenager bed-bound, but she is determined to live a full life. Jade even wants to serve as an example to others and is setting up a support group for young disabled children so they have other people they can talk to. Feeling isolated is something Jade knows a lot about. Recently, she was trapped in her bedroom for three weeks during a tough flare up of EDS. Sometimes she can spend weeks in the dining room because she cannot get upstairs. Jade, along with her parents, Roz and Tony, have…

Switch It Up Just as you use different make up for different occasions, you should do the same with your hair products. Before you lather up, see what your hair needs. If you're going out for the evening, try lighter products to give your hair a bounce. If your hair is looking a bit lank, use conditioner only on the mid length to the ends of your hair. Snip Snap As tempting as it is to let your hair grow when you're after a new longer look, you still need to have a regular cut to keep your hair looking healthy. A trim every six to eight weeks will stop irrepairable split ends going so high that your hair looks thin and weak. You don't need much off - ¼…

If you love changing your nail colour but hate removing the polish, then SensatioNAIL peel off nail polish is perfect for you. Simply peel off when you want to change colour. Babe Power is the debut perfume from Misguided. The scent combines a mix of fruit and floral, with hints of Pink Pepper, Sour Cherry and Candyfloss. Track down a can! (£28, The Fragrance Store) Fancy taking a bath and losing 1-3lbs? BOD Body Boosting Bath Salts is the latest secret weapon. The salts drive out sweat and toxins while leaving your skin hydrated. Perfect for that last minute special occasion!…

‘Making shoes turned my life around’ Things hadn’t been going well for me… Last March, I suddenly lost my job as a sign maker. ‘Everything will be fine,’ I told my lads, Jake, now 23, and Connor, 15. Truth was, I was struggling to make ends meet. I’d fallen behind on rent, couldn’t find work and the cupboards were bare. Ashamed, I went to a local food bank for help. My landlord was incredibly understanding, too, but I knew it was only a matter of time before his patience wore thin. He’d already mentioned the dreaded word ‘eviction’ to me. Then I received an email from a friend of a friend. She knew I had a degree in Multi-media Textile Design and Business, was creative, and loved arts and crafts.…

‘Winning was nice but, for me, it was all about having fun’ This April, it was just after 10pm, and I’d agreed to pick up our daughter, 17, from her chip-shop job. I still had a bit of time, so I opened up my laptop to play Pick Me Up! Bingo. I’d been a member for a few years. I’ve always loved bingo and the site has so many great games. My favourite was a 90-ball bingo game, Tiki. I liked Diamond Bingo, too and had won big on it in February 2015. My husband, 47, had been out playing darts, so I’d bought tickets for Diamond Bingo and let the games play out. Only, before I knew it, there was a message on my screen. Winner! it said. I’d…