Table of contents for 28-Jun-2018 in Chat

I hated seeing my girl Sarah, then 21, suffering. ‘It’s agony,’ she groaned. It was early 2011, and Sarah had started suffering from shooting pains in her right foot. It’s not fair, I thought. You see, things had never been easy for her. Sarah had been born in June 1990 with hypochondroplasia – a form of dwarfism. A string of health problems followed – rheumatoid arthritis, a connective tissue disorder, asthma. Doctors didn’t know why she was so poorly. But Sarah was determined to live a normal life. She’d worked in a corner shop since she was 13, and became supervisor later on. Age 20, she moved in with her big sister Melissa, then 26. She was thrilled to be independent. But her arthritis was crippling. And when the foot…

We listened in horror as the doctor told us it was 14cm across I could go home... Get on with being a mum! Yawning heavily, my whole body ached with exhaustion. ‘I don’t remember feeling this tired the last time,’ I moaned. It was November 2016, and I was 12 weeks pregnant with my third. But with Holly, then 17, and Gracie, 2, to look after, I’d no choice but to keep going. It was soon time for my 20-week scan, and my big sister, Kaye, 48, came with me. Only, as the sonographer scanned my tummy, she looked worried. ‘I’ve seen something on your kidney,’ she explained. ‘I need to call someone in to look.’ As she went to fetch a doctor I burst into tears. ‘What is it?’…

Bent penis Q When I have an erection, my penis looks bent. It's getting worse! What can I do? Pete, Fulham A Sounds like Peyronie's disease, where scar tissue forms in your penis, causing it to bend. No-one knows the cause, though it could be due to repeated damage during previous sex. It may well get better on its own, otherwise treatment means an op to cut the scar tissue. Write to Dr Martin Edwards at Chat , 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Or e-mail chathealth@ti-media.com Sorry, he can’t reply personally.…

Dragging myself out of bed, my head throbbed, my whole body ached. And I knew exactly what the cause was – a stinking hangover! It was last September and I’d just returned from a long weekend in France. I’d had the best time at a friend’s wedding. It’d been four days of non-stop drinking and partying. I was paying the price now! Still, I had a busy day ahead, so I powered on. Dropping my kids Ava, 9, and Austin, 6, at school, I made my way to my job as a call-centre manager at a spa. The whole day was a struggle. I felt exhausted, fighting to stay awake. Thinking I was dehydrated, I downed two litres of water. ‘You alright?’ my sister and colleague Jenny, 26, asked. ‘Nothing…

Seeing myself in the mirror, I sighed. Time to shift this baby weight, I thought. It was February 2013 and I’d just given birth to beautiful twin boys. I already had an older son, aged 17, from a previous relationship. But I was so excited to start a family with my Naval officer hubby Brett, then 28. We’d met back in 2006, when I was also in the Navy. Only, I’d gained 5½st during my pregnancy. Staring at my chubby reflection, I knew that action was needed. So I hit the gym, juggling workouts with looking after my little ones. I also started a ketogenic diet, which involved eating fewer carbs to encourage my body to break down excess fat for energy. I’d been a chef since leaving the Navy…

Easy apple flapjacks Makes 6 wedges Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cost per serving: 72p 1 Peel, core and grate 1kg apples (we used Pink Lady) and simmer gently in a covered pan with 40g sugar, until soft. Add 150g butter and 70ml golden syrup, and bring to a gentle simmer. 2 Gently stir in 200g oats and a pinch each of salt and ground ginger, then stir well until thoroughly combined. 3 Remove from the heat and transfer to a buttered, nonstick round 20cm/8in cake tin. 4 Bake in the oven at 180C/Gas 4 for 30 min, or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool slightly in the tin before turning out. Cut into 6 wedges and serve.…

I’ve always been really close to my mother-in-law. Some of my friends and family joke that I spend more time with Garnette, 65, than I do with my husband! But when I met Wayne, 30, both of my parents had passed away and Garnette became the motherly figure in my life – and a best friend. Garnette introduced me to bingo – we’d go to bingo halls together after I finished a hard day at work in my job as a quantity surveyor. Although we didn’t win lots, we had such a laugh. So that’s why, when we joined Chat Mag Bingo in March 2016, we loved every minute. ‘What shall we play tonight?’ we’d ask each other excitedly. Ordering a takeaway, we’d chill in the living room and log…

As far as I was concerned, my lovely pet rabbits Snowflake, Maybelline and Fluff were my little lucky charms. ‘Since we got them, everything has gone right,’ I said, smiling to my husband Colin, 47. And it was true. I’d won a string of competitions in magazines, and kept finding money in random places. I found £10 on the pavement once, and even won a number of small cash prizes on the National Lottery. It was as if I had 12 lucky rabbits’ feet – only all of them very much alive and thumping! ‘You don’t know it’s the rabbits,’ laughed Colin. But, either way, I loved my long-eared pets. They’d happily hop about the house, settling in their beds to sleep at night. We’d even managed to train them…

Scrolling aimlessly through Facebook, a local ad caught my eye. Amateur artists wanted, it read. Curious, I clicked on it. It was March last year and a project was being launched to spruce up a derelict bridge near where I live. Sounds exciting, I thought. I’d always been creative. A quilter by profession, I liked to try new things. Except we wouldn’t be painting the bridge in the traditional sense. We’d be grabbing a spray can and covering it in graffiti! It was something I’d never considered before – but the idea was right up my street. ‘I’m going to have a go at this graffiti art event,’ I told my husband Tony, 70, shoving the computer in front of him. I expected him to disapprove, but he just smiled…

Gareth says, ‘Since July last year, everything has felt a bit surreal. I was the fittest I'd ever been, and I didn't feel unwell in the slightest. Now everything has been turned on its head. I feel like I'm in limbo, waiting to hear my fate. I know how hard it must be for my family. Hayley has been wonderful, she's been my rock throughout all of this. Having the ride has kept me positive. It's been something to aim towards since the first operation, and I'm just hoping I have some good news about the second op soon.' You can still sponsor Gareth: visit justgiving.com/fundraising/lanson-to-london…

Neither of us could believe this was happening Shuffling from one foot to the other, I sighed heavily. ‘What’s taking her so long?’ I grumbled, impatiently picking at the label on the wine I’d bought. My hubby Steve, 46, and I were waiting on our daughter Katrina’s doorstep. ‘Probably seeing to the little one,’ Steve reasoned. Louise, our granddaughter, was just 21 months old. Katrina, 19, had had her young, but she was an amazing mum. And that evening, in March 2017, we’d been invited over to meet Katrina’s new boyfriend, Dylan Harries, then 21. They’d been dating for two months, after meeting through a friend. ‘He’s great with Louise,’ Katrina had told us. Gushed about how caring he was. So we couldn’t wait to meet the man who had…

Gliding down the aisle, clutching a bouquet, I giggled with excitement. It was 1984, I was 10, and a bridesmaid at my Aunt Inday’s wedding in the Philippines. Wearing a beautiful white and fuchsia gown, I beamed as the congregation looked on. Any nerves I’d felt soon disappeared. Watching my aunt get married was magical. She looks like a princess, I thought. So, three years later, in 1987, I was thrilled to be a bridesmaid again. Twice in one year, too! This time for older cousins tying the knot. It was fun. Playing dress-up, wearing flowers in our hair, being the centre of attention, posing for photos with the bride and groom. Then in 1990, aged 16, I got to do it all again, this time for my Aunt Doris.…

Bone pain Q The bone above my vagina hurts, and sex is painful. My doctor diagnosed symphysitis - but what is this? Claire, Brixton Your two main pelvic A bones join in the middle. Symphysitis means that this joint has become inflamed, often due to pregnancy or excessive exercise. It can be treated with rest, anti-inflammatory painkillers, exercises, and occasionally steroid injections or an op. Lumpy breasts Q My breasts are full of lumps. The doctor says they're fine... Is that right? Radika, Hull A You may have nodular breasts - where tissue feels lumpy but is quite normal. To avoid finding false lumps, feel your breasts with the flat of your hand, not your fingertips. Get to know how they usually feel, and tell your GP if there's any…

Save your shopping  Bag-holders for prams are perfect for clipping on to your car headrest, saving your shopping from rolling around in the back. I bought a twin pack for just 99p. Jayne Benham, Manchester Cover your cases I covered all my old video cases with decorative paper. They make great storage boxes for my arts and craft supplies, and pencil cases for kids. Helen Cliss, March Bargain baskets I used the bag from the compost to line my hanging baskets. I just trimmed it to size and cut small holes in the bottom for drainage. It's a great way to save money. Bronwen Warman, Roath Garden safe  Clearly label your watering can that contains weedkiller, to avoid any costly mistakes! Beryl WIlkinson, Feniton Egg-cellent Add half a teaspoon of…

Neutrogena Radiance Boost Instant Facial Cream-Mask, £3.50, Ocado Unlike a face mask that needs to be rinsed off, this gives a leave-on hit of hydration. Slather on before take off. EOS Organic Wildberry Lip Balm, £6.50, Boots Aeroplane air conditioning can zap the moisture out of your lips. Keep them nourished with this balm. Bioderma ABC Derm H2O Cleansing Wipes, £6, escentual.com Designed for baby's sensitive skin, these ultra-gentle wipes are so handy for keeping your hands and face fresh. Oh K! Awakening Ginseng and Eucalyptus Under Eye Mask, £4.50, amazon.co.uk Brighten eyes by popping on these gel masks before you land.…

As I ran into the kitchen after playing outside, I went to grab a chocolate biscuit. ‘No, Abbie, you’re not having one,’ my mum Wendy told me. ‘Why not?’ I screamed. It was 1988 and I’d just turned 7, but already my temper was becoming unmanageable. ‘You won’t eat your dinner,’ she said. Most children would walk away, defeated and stroppy. But instead of leaving it there, I went into a rage. Yelling, thrashing, punching Mum. Later, she was black and blue. This wasn’t a one-off – I regularly acted up. ‘I’m going to jump,’ I told Mum one day as I stood on the edge of my bedroom window. Sitting in the garden, she had a friend round. She ignored my attention-seeking threat, so instead I threw a shoe…

KINGSLEY AND KAREN WALLIS: CORRECTION In Chat issue 23 (7 June 2018), our story Tied up, gagged, and left to die… about the murder of Dionne Clark featured errors in our reporting of the actions of Kingsley and Karen Wallis. Mrs Wallis did not return to the murder scene. Neither Mr or Mrs Wallis cut the tape off Dionne or repositioned her body under a blanket as we have stated in the story. Mrs Wallis' involvement in the crime was more minor than our cover ( Britain's sickest mum and son? He bound, gagged and killed my girl… Then his mum helped ) implied. Chat is happy to clarify these points and apologises to the Wallis family for the error. Taxi talk This funny…

Serves 8 Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Cost per serving: 72p £1 Meal Deal 1 Drain 2 x 400g cans of chickpeas, put in a large bowl and mix with 4tbsp BBQ sauce. Tip on to a sheet of foil in a single layer. Fold to seal the package. 2 Put the foil package on the cooling coals of the BBQ or on a gas hob over a low flame. Do not leave unattended. Cook for 7 min, then flip to cook for a further 7 min. 3 Transfer roasted chickpeas back to the bowl. Stir in 1 deseeded, chopped red chilli, 1 diced red onion, a handful fresh, chopped coriander and 2tbsp BBQ sauce. Spoon the mixture on to 8 tortillas. 4 Combine 100g sour cream with 1.5tbsp…

Aries 21 March - 20 April You may not have noticed it until now, but various people have been trying to steer you in the way they want you to go. Put your foot down and say you’ll only make a move when you’re ready and not before! Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May What matters more, work or family? You and your partner have different views and an upset this week will bring the issue into focus. You’ll need to make changes, sure - but it’s not the disaster that it seems. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Want a better job and better pay? Yes! How about working less for the same money? There are so…

SAVED BY THE BELL? Sixth-form students from Berwickshire High, Scotland, put an unusual listing on eBay… We present the school building, its contents and full use of all staff for sale at a bargain price of £2,018. This full package deal comes complete with an exclusive angry headmaster, who will probably murder us when he realises we created this listing. That's an A* from us! CRY ME A RIVER In Utah, a university has installed a ‘cry closet' for students who need somewhere to be private and sad. The box of tears popped up in the campus library, filled with cuddly toys. The rules are simple. Users must knock before entering, and then get 10 minutes to cry their heart out - one at a time, please. Oh, and no…

GUILTY A jury found Dante Martin guilty of the manslaughter of Robert Champion plus a charge of felony hazing resulting in death and two counts of misdemeanour. He was later sentenced to more than six years in prison. Robert Champion’s mum spoke in court, saying, ‘Mr Martin, you have no idea what my days and my nights are like. You have no idea what they have become.’ Robert’s dad added that he felt some sympathy for Martin’s family but that ‘we’ve got to set an example that this has got to stop now’. The scandal caused by Robert’s death also saw the band suspended and the University’s President resign.…

Bladder dilemma Q I keep getting urine infections. A scan shows I'm not emptying my bladder properly, so could that be the cause? Maureen, Grantham A Could be. Urine left in your bladder can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Try to wee twice every time you visit the loo. Your doctor might suggest pelvic-floor exercises, drugs or surgery to improve your bladder emptying. Short of breath Q My GP says the decongestant drops I always use are making things worse and I should stop. But I can barely breathe without them. Ali, Cardiff A You have rhinitis medicamentosa. The lining of your nose has become swollen due to overuse of decongestants. It'll gradually improve once you stop the drops, and your doctor might suggest a steroid spray instead. Noisy…

…that’s how much a Mediterranean diet can boost ‘good gut bacteria’, says research from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre. Veg, fish and olive oil are better for your heart and liver, too! Hit or MYTH? Garlic helps hearts Research from Nottingham University found that garlic really does have health benefits, slashing the risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. HEALTH SOS Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests dogs may cause urinary tract infections in humans! Study author Dr Peter Damborg says dogs may carry the infection-causing bacteria, and urges owners to avoid being licked by their dogs.…

Pop music blared out from my daughter Nicole’s bedroom. Then suddenly... ‘Muuuum!’ she screeched. ‘Lee, stop annoying your sister,’ I said, rolling my eyes as he fled Nicole’s room giggling. It was September 2015. Nicole had just turned 18 and was getting ready for her first night out. Lee, then 10, was my youngest, then Dean, 15. Nicole, who we called Coco, had always been a lovely girl. Sweet, clever, feisty. And although her brothers annoyed her, she adored them. It was a happy, lively home. ‘You look beautiful,’ I beamed when Nicole emerged. She’d curled her hair, put on a pretty dress. ‘Will you take my picture?’ she grinned. . My girl, all grown up. After that, like any 18-year-old, weekend nights out became a regular thing. I’d pick…

Peeling the lid off piping-hot trays, I felt my tummy rumble. ‘Food’s here!’ I bellowed to my husband Steve, 58. It was a standard Saturday night in December 2016. A greasy takeaway and weekend telly. As I piled rice and ribs onto plates, Steve normally couldn’t wait to tuck in. But tonight, he looked miserable. ‘This is my last takeaway. Ever,’ he declared. ‘I’m going to get fit and healthy.’ There was no denying Steve was on the plump side. But he hadn’t always been. When I’d met him in March 2002 in our local, he’d been slimmer. Making me howl with laughter, I knew we had something special. In August 2006, we’d married, but the laughter didn’t stop. One Christmas, I bought him a mankini for a joke. Typical…

See page 4 for details on how • All contributions to Chat must be original, not copies or duplicated to other editors. Subject to these conditions, £25 will be paid for all rights in each letter or photo of the week printed. The Editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any letter or material submitted. TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Letters, Tips, Kids, and Chat to us! columns of Chat magazine, in any format or medium. We regret we cannot answer letters. We cannot take responsibility for manuscripts or photos sent in, so keep a copy of anything precious. Please include your full name and address when you write.…

Staring at an old wedding photo, I marvelled at how time flies. It was July 2015 and almost our silver wedding anniversary. Yet it didn’t seem 25 years since me and Gary had tied the knot. It was something to be celebrated. ‘Let’s renew our vows,’ I said to my hubby Gary, 52. ‘Great idea, love,’ he grinned. Gary was always up for a party, like me. It was one of the many reasons we worked. Party animals! Plus it’d be lovely to have a second wedding. When we’d first met, some doubted we’d go the distance... We were from different backgrounds. Gary’s Mum died young and he was raised by a neighbour, while I’d had a privileged upbringing with a close family. We’d got chatting in a car park,…

If I’d told him once, I’d told him a thousand times... ‘You need to go to the doctor!’ I said. My partner Gareth stopped rubbing his leg. ‘OK, I will,’ he agreed. It was April last year, he’d been complaining of a pulled muscle for nearly two months. I’d been nagging him for weeks to get checked out – but as a keen cyclist, Gareth, then 39, was used to the odd injury. ‘The doctor thinks I might have arthritis in my hip,’ Gareth said as he returned from his appointment. I was worried, but I knew Gareth was strong and healthy. Yet after an X-ray, doctors noticed a shadow on Gareth’s pelvis. ‘We’d like to send Gareth for an MRI scan,’ they told us. We stayed positive, decided there…