Table of contents for SPRING SPECIAL 2020 in Chat Specials

As Mother’s Day rolls around on 22 March, it’s important to show the women in our lives, just how wonderful they are. To celebrate this, we’ve given you plenty of thoughtful gifts to choose from to say thank you for everything they do (pg54). Sometimes, it takes being a mum to realise what needs to be done. After giving birth to the child she’d always wanted, Tracey (pg32)knew she needed to make a drastic change. We always wonder what our family will pass down to us, but when it turns out to be for the worse, it can be hard to accept. When Melanie (pg28) found out she could face the same ending as her parents, she vowed to live a life of happiness and adventure. While some people choose…

City of London Police’s Assistant Commissioner, Alistair Sutherland, said: ‘The City of London Police is proud to launch this initiative, in partnership with the Daniel Baird Foundation, as part of Lynne’s passionate campaign in memory of her son. These kits will help us achieve our aim of making the City as safe as possible for the people who live, work and visit the Square Mile.’ West Midlands Police will be rolling out 400 more Bleed Control Kits, including 100 in Birmingham West and 100 in Birmingham East.…

This 65-foot teddy bear that took more than three months to be stitched together in Mexico has been dubbed the world’s largest by Guinness World Records. A Guinness adjudicator spent over five hours measuring the 4.4 ton stuffed toy at a football stadium in the town of Xonacatlán, confirming it was indeed bigger than the previous world record holder – a 55-foot teddy bear from Kansas in 2008. Named Xonita, after the town, the bear was measured and certified as part of the town’s Children’s Day Festivities in April 2019.…

We’ve all got a favourite book that we read as a child, but does yours top the list? After asking grandparents about their reading habits, Stannah discovered that 84% of people over 60, spend quality time with their grandchildren by reading to them. When they were asked for 20 books every child should read, the same few came out on top, with The Famous Five and The Railway Children amongst the favourites. How many of the full list have you read? 1. The Famous Five by Enid Blyton 2. The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit 3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis 4. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 5. Tales of Winnie The Pooh by A. A. Milne 6. Alice’s Adventures in…

Life-battling Susan Leeming, 54, Norwich Checking my breasts in the mirror, I looked for any changes in size and shape. It was March 1999, and my mum had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Worried about my own breasts, I checked them every fortnight. Whilst I was concerned about my health, I certainly wasn’t living a healthy lifestyle. I was a workaholic, working 10 hours a day as a hairdresser. A heavy social drinker, I didn’t watch my diet or alcohol intake. And I had irregular periods. In my mid-20s, I was told I had low fertility and would struggle to get pregnant. It didn’t matter too much to me, and when I married my husband Michael, neither of us wanted kids. It was only when I was 35 and…

With her beaming smile, and eternal optimism, it was hard to not feel positive around happy Kaitlin Hehir, 29. Kaitlin was well liked and loved cooking, baking and entertaining because it brought joy to others. There was little time to stop between working two jobs and studying for a master’s degree in accounting, but Kaitlin loved to be busy and focus on her future. Life was good – and she was in love, too. Kaitlin had been dating restaurant worker William Dhondt, 29, for three years. By 2013, they’d been living together in a home in Farmington, Oakland County, Michigan for six months after taking the next step to commitment. Kaitlin adored having a house to make a home. She filled it with cookbooks and couldn’t wait to get started…

Valerie Archer, 73, Kent Pulling back the curtain, my face flushed red with embarrassment. ‘Susan!’ I hissed, calling for my daughter. Out on a shopping trip, I’d nipped into the changing room to try on a lovely dress. But now, I needed help. After pulling, tugging, and wriggling around, I couldn’t get the dress off! I was trapped! ‘Susan!’ I called again, praying no one else would hear me. ‘What is it, Mum?’ she said, coming over. ‘The dress is stuck,’ I whispered. ‘I can’t get it off!’ Susan stepped into the cubicle with me and grabbed hold of the jammed zip. And with a mighty tug, she managed to pull the zip down, freeing me. ‘I’ll get you the next size up,’ she smiled. But the relief I felt…

COURGETTE, LEMON & FETA RISOTTO SERVES 4 YOU’LL NEED... • Calorie controlled cooking spray • 4 large courgettes; 3 diced, the other grated • 1 onion, finely diced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1.5 litres vegetable stock, made with 1 stock cube • 250g Arborio rice • 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced • Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon • 20g vegetarian Italian- style hard cheese, finely grated • 20 basil leaves, shredded • 40g light feta • 100g watercress, to serve HOW TO DO IT… 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6. Mist a large baking tray with cooking spray. Scatter the diced courgette over the baking tray, mist with more cooking spray, then season and roast for 20-25…

Crunch time The humble apple is often overlooked when it comes to healthy snacking choices, but the old saying of ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ has proven to be true. Recent research has suggested that apples are a superfood in their own right. According to research from Tom Sanders, Emeritus Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at King’s College London, the modest apple is packed full of essential nutrients and minerals, and an apple a day can help towards: 1. GUT HEALTH – Apples encourage the growth of more ‘friendly’ bacteria in the large bowel which is essential for keeping a healthy gut. 2. DIABETES – Eating a whole apple results in a much smaller rise in blood sugar than drinking apple juice. It’s also thought that apples…

Q I’ve never had a problem sleeping, but since going through the menopause I’ve spent my night’s tossing and turning. Is there anything I can do? Louise, Stoke-on-Trent A The menopause has a massive impact on sleep, and I often find it’s more difficult for women who’ve always been good sleepers. You may have always been displaying poor sleep habits, but being a good sleeper these habits were not having a negative impact. Think about what you are doing in the hour before bed and consider if it’s relaxing. Rather than watching a tense box set before bed, try and watch something funny. Also consider your caffeine intake and think about how that could be impacting on your sleep. Remember caffeine doesn’t just stop us falling asleep, it can impact…

A medical scientist returned home with his girlfriend one evening, and he checked his phone to find a series of unread text messages from his close friend, Dr Richard Field. They were confusing and incoherent, but the last three texts had Matthias Heidenreich terrified for talented Richard. Eriou , he had sent. Followed by; Erious. Then finally the word that he was desperately trying to type out; Serious . Matthias called the concierge at the luxury apartment building where Richard lived to raise the alarm and then jumped in a taxi to go to his aid. What did the messages mean? It was May 2017 and Dr Richard Lewis, 49, was living in a penthouse at the exclusive Macallen Building in Boston, Massachusetts with his fiancée Dr Lina Bolanos, 38.…

Decades ago, science experts predicted that we’d have ape butlers, one-toed feet and rocket mail by 2020. Some projections are wacky, others are mind-boggling – but what futuristic changes have actually happened? 3…2…1… LIFT OFF! In 1959, a Navy submarine sent 3,000 letters using only a rocket, leading Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield to predict it would be commonplace the following century. ‘Mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to Britain, to India,’ he said. Although we never got rocket mail, we did get something better: email. So we will count this one as true! MOTHER NATURE Nostramadus, a famous French doctor and alchemist from the 16th century, predicted a number of incredible predictions 500 years ago. Those that have come true include Brexit, sea level…

Jemma Sheppard, 34, Newport Staring down into the toilet bowl in the bathroom, my eyes filled with tears. Streaks of blood were coating the porcelain – my period had come, like clockwork. Just then, there was a soft knock on the bathroom door. ‘Everything OK?’ my husband Anton called out. Slowly opening the door, I emerged, eyes red. ‘Not really,’ I whispered. ‘I’m not pregnant.’ With that, Anton took me into his arms, and I broke down into sobs, heartbroken. ‘Is this ever going to happen for us?’ I sniffed. ‘It will, babe,’Anton said. ‘I know it will.’ Anton, 33, and I had been together for six years and had started trying for a baby a year previously, just before we had both got married. There was no reason for…

Lindsay Melville, 36, Kent Popping a frozen lasagne into the microwave, I poured a glass of wine to sip on while I waited. ‘What a day,’ I sighed to myself, sitting at the kitchen table. Working as a management development trainer for a big company, I worked long hours, often didn’t have time to cook. Just then – ping! My dinner was ready. Tucking into my steaming cheesy pasta, I instantly felt at ease. Afterwards, sat on the sofa, I tucked into one of my favourites – a pack of chocolate Hobnobs. For years, this had been my evening routine – getting home from a busy day at work and enjoying a ready meal followed by biscuits and a few glasses of wine. So it was no surprise that now,…

Monster spray My children hate bedtime because they’re scared of monsters under the bed. I use a spray bottle with scented oils and water to create monster spray, then let my little ones spray it around their room before bed! A. MacDonald, Chester I’d like a pizza you! Cut up food into bite-sized pieces using a pizza cutter rather than a knife. It’s easier, quicker and really great for cheese on toast! Kelly, Belfast Holiday hack When we are going on a break away, we empty our DVDs into a DVD carrier to save space in luggage. It’s much easier! Chantelle, Portsmouth Hand warmers On a cold winter morning, I boil two eggs and carry them to work. They keep my hands warm and I can eat them for breakfast…

I want more sex QI want sex far more than my boyfriend does. I worry that it means we’re not compatible and it’s really important to me. Katie, Moorgate A Intimacy in a long-term relationship is built on trust and openness, so it will be important to find some time to have an honest conversation. Pick a good time, when you aren’t in a rush, and sit down to discuss your feelings. Try to listen more than talk: is your boyfriend generally less interested in sex or are there other factors in the mix – for instance, does his job leave him too tired in the evenings? Intimacy is important, but just because you don’t want sex the same amount of times doesn’t mean you are incompatible. Our sex life…

Dismembering a body brings untold grief for victim’s loved ones, as shown by another Michigan murder. Ashley Young, 31, was last seen with her friend Jared Chance in November 2018. Jared had a reputation, but Ashley looked past that – to her peril. After a bad smell was reported coming from Jared’s home, police found Ashley’s torso wrapped in plastic and other body parts scattered around the house. No head, hands or feet were ever found. Ashley’s mum told Jared in court; ‘I want to rip you limb from limb and discard you, just like you did to Ashley… you threw her out like trash.’ Jared was sentenced to serve 100 years in prison.…

Tracey Ansell, 38, Suffolk Adjusting my leggings, I took a deep breath. ‘Come on ladies work it, work those glutes! And one more time!’ I screamed out to my class of breathless gym bunnies. I loved working out and becoming a personal trainer full time had given me confidence that I’d once lost. When I was in school, I was bullied by peers for being dangerously overweight. I lost all my confidence, until fitness brought it back. I loved inspiring other women at my classes, online or during one-on-one sessions. My boyfriend was a great influence, too. We were both into exercising and healthy eating, cooking healthy meals full of vegetables and lean protein. We’d go for a run or down the gym together most days. I was a healthy…

SERVES FOUR A family favourite chicken tray bake seasoned with paprika, garlic and cinnamon. YOU’LL NEED ... • 800g chicken breasts • 400g tin chickpeas, drained • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 2 medium red onions, peeled and chopped • 100g spinach leaves • 1tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp garlic granules • 35ml olive oil • Juice of 1 lemon • Sea salt and black pepper HOW TO DO IT… 1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6. 2. Chop the chicken into medium size chunks and put into a large baking dish or roasting dish. 3. Shred the spinach leaves and toss in with the chicken chunks. 4. Put the chickpeas, tomatoes, lemon juice, cinnamon, paprika, garlic granules, olive oil and onions into…

Jo O’Callaghan, 46, Kent Opening my eyes, I felt numb on the right side of my body. ‘Something’s wrong with my hand,’ I said to my husband, Nick, 57. ‘Did you sleep on it funny?’ he asked, but I knew it wasn’t that. ‘Let’s see the GP,’ he said. I was soon referred to the hospital and for the next three weeks, I underwent tests and scans, but no one could figure out what was wrong. Meanwhile, pain had spread down my entire right side. I was desperate for answers ‘We’re going to transfer you to a specialist hospital in London,’ the doctor told me. Although the journey only took about an hour-and-a-half, I was in extreme pain and it only made it worse. A few months later, when I…

Natalie Stead, 37, Bradford Lying on the beach, I started slathering on sunscreen. It might have been winter back home in Bradford, but it was another gorgeous day in Barbados and my mum, Rita, 69, and I were catching the last of the day’s sunshine. ‘This is the life,’ Mum sighed as she sunk into her sun lounger. But I wasn’t feeling quite so relaxed. Nothing could cheer me up - until I found Washi It was a few days before Christmas 2018, and the break had been a last-ditch attempt to make me feel better. Sadly, not even the white sandy beaches of Barbados could have changed my mood. ‘We should have just stayed at home,’ I cried to Mum. ‘I’m as miserable here as I was before.’ ‘Come…

FILM AND TV 1 Who plays Princess Margaret in series three of The Crown? a Helena Bonham Carter b Margot Robbie c Olivia Colman 2 The movie Cats stars which English actress? a Helen Mirren b Judi Dench c Kate Winslet 3 Which reality TV show came back this January for a winter edition? a Love Island b I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here c Strictly Come Dancing 4 The third instalment of which movie is due out this year? a Mean Girls b Bridesmaids c Legally Blonde 5 Which of these actresses turned down the lead role in La La Land? a Emma Watson b Margot Robbie c Jennifer Lawrence 6 Who was revealed to be the ‘chameleon’ on The Masked Singer? a Ed Sheeran b James…

Claire Oldfield, 37, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire Pretending to be sick in school, I managed to get out of the weekly sports swimming trip. ‘You could be a rugby player, look at the size of your legs,’ one child said, laughing. Looking down at my chunky legs, I wanted the ground to swallow me up. My bottom half was six times larger than my top half. At an early age, I suffered cruel taunts as a child. Doctors used to tell me that I was obese, before a diagnosis was finally given when I was 14. ‘Lipedema is a common disorder characterised by abnormal amounts of fat cells in your legs,’ the doctor said. There is no known cure for Lipedema. Soon after my diagnosis, I refused to eat, willing my…

Get lost in a good book... From thrillers to emotional reads, we’ve rounded up some of the best new books of 2020. So, whether you’re heading to the beach or cosying up with a cup of tea, here’s what you should be reading. Books to keep you guessing... The Foundling by Stacey Halls Set in Georgian London, The Foundling explores families, secrets, class, equality, power and the meaning of motherhood, as Bess Bright tries to find her illegitimate daughter that she’s never known. After leaving her in London’s Foundling Hospital six years earlier, Bess is expecting the worst. But, when she arrives to reclaim her child, she discovers she’s already been reclaimed – by her. Out now. The Other You by J. S Monroe Brilliant, complex…

Ask our doc Dr Sally Norton, Consultant Surgeon & Weight Loss Expert for the NHS and health consultant for Vavista Car Insurance. Weight gain My husband has developed a beer belly. How can he get rid of it? Laura, Bristol Avoid the beer! In all seriousness, calories from alcohol can stack up and booze just knocks your willpower. But putting weight on around the middle increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. The best way to tackle it is to cut out high fat / high sugar processed food. Cut right back on carbohydrates – we eat too many of them. Sugar is the main culprit but we also eat too much of the starchy carbs like bread, pasta and rice. Instead, focus on nutrient-rich, home-cooked food with…

We can all struggle to fall asleep from time to time, but when it happens more often than not it can be infuriating and leaves you feeling drained, sluggish and fed up. We’ve enlisted the help of James Wilson, aka The Sleep Geek, who’s shared the most common mistakes people make when it comes to getting some shut eye. For more information about James and the work he does visit www.thesleepgeek.co.uk. NOT BEING READY FOR BED BEFORE WE WIND DOWN This is a big one. The amount of people I meet who tell me the same story over and over. They are sitting on their sofa, feeling sleepy, and then they think ‘I’m going to bed’ and then they start doing stuff. They put the pets out, check the doors,…

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