Table of contents for 23-Jun-2016 in Chat

He'd gone about his day with her body lying in the living room The following Friday was a big day for all of us. The family business was closing its doors for the last time. Paul went round to Mum’s to help sort things out. ‘Mark’s on the sauce again,’ he reported back, as I cooked tea. I shook my head in despair. Next afternoon, on 20 June, I tried calling Mum, but her mobile and landline rang out. ‘She’s probably just popped into town,’ Paul reassured me. Normally, she’d call back as soon as she noticed my missed call. So, when she didn’t, panic set in. I called Mark’s phone, and he rang me back 10 minutes later at 3.15pm. ‘Where’s Mum?’ I asked him bluntly ‘She’s not well,’…

In February of this year, a Charles County Circuit Court judge found Romechia Simms not criminally responsible for causing Ji’Aire’s death. He released her under a five-year conditional order. It states that she will be monitored by state psychologists, must avoid unsupervised contact with children and must submit to regular blood tests to verify that she’s taking her medication. In a recent interview, Romechia admitted that she’s struggling to forgive herself. Speaking after the court hearing, Vontasha Simms said, ‘The right decision was made. It’s still a long journey and Ji’Aire is not here. Hopefully, this never happens to anyone again.’ If Romechia Simms fails to follow the conditions of her release, she faces institutionalisation at a mental-health facility.…

We learned PKD didn't have to be a death sentence My partner Paul and I had always wanted a big family. When we got together, I already had a son – Jackson, then 3 – from a previous relationship. He was the apple of our eye and we longed to give him a brother or sister. It should’ve been a simple dream. I fell pregnant, learned we were having another boy. But then, at 20 weeks... ‘Your son’s kidneys are enlarged,’ the doctor told us following a scan. They tested me and Paul and we learned we both carried the recessive gene for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It meant cysts were growing on our baby boy’s kidneys. They were so big, they’d stopped his lungs developing properly. ‘There’s a chance…

As I sat down on the sofa, pain tore through my back I was seven months pregnant when my back suddenly became too painful to lie down properly. ‘I’m in agony,’ I cried to my husband Ian, now 48. My first pregnancy, I thought it was normal so I just powered on. On 18 November 2002, I gave birth to Alex. A healthy 8lb 13oz, he was gorgeous. I was only 5ft 3in tall, and a size-10, so he was a big baby! ‘Perhaps that explains the back pain,’ I said to Ian. But a week later, I sat down on the sofa and pain tore through my back. After that, the agony was constant. If I got up during the night to feed Alex, I’d collapse in pain. I…

Dressing in skirts was the only time I felt truly happy Growing up – as a little boy called David – my favourite superhero was Wonder Woman. Unlike other boys my age, I wasn’t interested in Spider-Man or Batman. ‘But Wonder Woman’s a girl,’ my friends would snigger. That’s why I liked her. In secret, at a young age, I’d try on Mum’s heels, put on make-up. Confused, I didn’t understand why I felt the way I did. In my teens, I joined the rugby and basketball teams, became great at putting on a front. To my mates, I was just Dave, one of the lads. I had girlfriends. But instead of fancying them, I wanted to be like them. By 18, I realised I was a woman – I’d…

Dress sense Why do women get upset if they meet someone wearing an identical outfit? I suppose because everyone likes to think they're individuals and it invites comparisons about who looks better. If it ever happens to me, I think I'll take a leaf out of my daughter's book - she went to a party where there was another girl wearing the exact same dress. Instead of avoiding her, my daughter went up and introduced herself. Then they spent the whole party together pretending to be twins! Joanne Aitch, Wirral…

The place was soon packed with 60 wannabe warblers You can’t beat a good singalong to make yourself feel good. I’ve always loved belting out a song or two. Even if it is incredibly out of tune! Aged 11, during a music lesson at school, my teacher took me to one side. ‘Nadine, it’s best you don’t sing,’ he frowned. ‘You’re spoiling it for the other children.’ Mortified, I’d had no idea how bad I was. I was gutted – especially when I realised I couldn’t join the school choir. Over the years, that comment stayed with me. Not that it stopped me singing my heart out in the shower, though. ‘Who let the cat in?’ my hubby John, 51, would tease. Luckily, I saw the funny side to my…

I was in shock and I just kept looking at my balance in disbelief! I was playing 90-ball bingo in Tiki on Chat Mag Bingo. The game was thrilling as I watched my numbers being automatically dabbed off. Tears of laughter ran down my cheeks as the numbers were called. Only it was my chatroom mates that were making me giggle! One had said something funny. What are you like?! I typed. I began playing online bingo a few years ago. But the chatrooms were the reason I enjoyed Chat Mag Bingo so much My fellow roomies were brilliant. Even the chat hosts joined in the banter. Sometimes I logged on to chat even when I wasn’t playing bingo. Tiki’s my fave game – that’s the chatroom where all my…

His attitude inspired me... Heading to the bar to get myself a drink, someone came hurtling towards me. A guy in a wheelchair braked suddenly, right in front of me. ‘Whoa!’ I gasped. ‘You nearly knocked me flying.’ ‘Well, I got your attention,’ he laughed, with a cheeky grin. His name was Kirk Mount. And, before I knew it, we were flirting. He had such a wicked sense of humour, I couldn’t stop laughing. Days later, in January last year, we met up for a date. We chatted non-stop, and Kirk, 29, really opened up. An ex-solider, he’d had back trouble for years. ‘I had an operation on it that went wrong,’ he said, explaining he was now wheelchair-bound, though able to stand for very short periods. I hadn’t given…

They'd dragged her through a barbed-wire fence THE CRIME In February 1986, nurse Anita Cobby, 26, disappeared on her way home from work in Sydney, Australia. Days later, her brutalised body was found in a field. She'd been gang-raped, beaten and her throat slashed. Who was responsible for such an atrocity? THE STORY She was slim and beautiful with a dazzling smile. As a teenager, Anita won beauty pageants. But, rather than pursuing a modelling career, she followed in her mum Grace’s footsteps and trained as a nurse. Sweet and generous, Anita found her calling in caring for others. She even fell for another nurse, John Cobby. They married in 1982, when Anita was 22. But, after four years, they separated. Anita moved back in with her parents and sister…

What I loved How quickly a blast of sea air and a beach trudge cured my rather fragile state after a mate's seaside-special birthday. (And yup, I'm never drinking again…well, not that much, anyway…) What hacked me off Able-bodied folk parking in disabled bays. DON'T DO THAT! It makes me really, really mad… What made me laugh Our story on page 43 about the choir that can't sing! My sister and I should so join that! Hope your week hits a high note!…

George was throwing up and started slurring his words Doctors told us it was terminal just before our wedding day Sitting at my desk, I had a mountain of work, but my colleague kept nudging me. ‘George says he fancies you,’ Alison said. I tried not to blush. I was a receptionist at a GP surgery, and George was one of the team. We got on brilliantly, but we were just friends. That night, we were doing the late shift together and, according to Alison, he’d finally plucked up the courage to ask me out. When George arrived, I pretended I wasn’t aware of his plan. But soon it was nearly the end of our shift. He hasn’t mentioned anything about a date, I thought to myself. I don’t think…

Meet Cooper – he’s got admirers from Finland to India to the USA. But he hasn’t let it go to his head. No, my Cooper’s the same burpy, slobbery macho mutt he’s always been – still throws up behind the curtains, farts when we’ve got guests over, still falls asleep with his bum in the air. And we still love him to bits. I got Cooper four years ago, when he was a pup. He was playful and loving. ‘I’ve never known anyone need as many cuddles as you!’ I always told him. But, when he was 2 years old, he needed more hugs than ever. Cooper lost his right eye. He’d been diagnosed with glaucoma and a detached lens. It couldn’t be saved. To me, he was as handsome…

Morrisons Dark Chocolate   Rice Slices, 90g, 91p If you fancy a treat without too many calories, these dark choc-covered thins will satisfy your chocolate needs - and they're only 53 cal each! 10 Kallo Belgian Dark Chocolate Organic Rice Cake Thins, 90g, £1.50 It's hard to beat the brand-leader for flavour, thanks to a nice, thick coating of Belgian choc. With 55 cal per thin, they're virtuous - if a little bit naughty! Tesco Chocolate Rice Cakes, 80g, 79p There are only four of these big, thick cakes in each pack, but with the chocolate topping - and only 84 cal each - they Chat make a tasty, filling, choice gluten-free treat. NEW   Provender Asparagus Vichyssoise with Minted New Potato soup, £2.49, Tesco, Co-Op Enjoy the classic summer…

Serves: 6 Prep: 20 min Cook: 6 min 2 soft tortilla wraps 15g butter, melted 2tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting and to sweeten strawberries 100g good quality white chocolate, broken into pieces, plus extra grated to serve 250g marscapone cheese 2tbsp icing sugar 300g strawberries, sliced 1 Preheat oven to 180C/ Gas 4. Brush each wrap on one side with melted butter and dust with a little icing sugar. Cut each into 8 wedges, put on 2 baking sheets, sugar side up, and cook for 4-6 min until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack. 2 Place 75g of chocolate in a bowl over simmering water and heat gently, stirring occasionally until dissolved. Leave to cool. 3 Put marscapone in a bowl and whisk in 2tbsp icing sugar,…

We tried to stay strong as doctors ran MRI andCAT scans A baby that cries without making noise… Bliss, right? Wrong! When my son Jacob was born on 13 September 2014, weighing 6lb 4oz, it felt like time stood still as I waited to hear him cry out. Frantic, doctors raced around barking instructions at each other ‘What’s going on?’ I asked, weary but utterly terrified. ‘We’re doing everything we can, a nurse tried to reassure me. But, craning my neck, I spotted my poor baby wasn’t breathing, was turning blue. He was whisked to the Neonatal Unit and stabilised. Six hours later, me and his dad Peter, 30, went to see our son. But, as I leant in to touch his hand, I noticed something strange. ‘He’s crying, but…

Original Source Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn Shower Gel, £2.29, Superdrug A sweet and spicy scent. Top tip: If you like cruelty-free products, go for those, like this, that are suitable for vegans. Grace Cole Strawberry & Kiwi Body Spritz, £5, www. gracecole.co.uk A fun, fruity scent, which makes a lighter alternative to perfume. Top tip: Carry this in your handbag and use when you need to freshen up during the day. I love… Strawberry Cream Smash Bar, £5, Superdrug This bar breaks into four soap pieces and smells like strawberry milkshake. Top tip: Opt for a product with moisturising properties to help leave your skin soft. Carmex Strawberry Moisturising Lip Balm, £2.69, Boots This balm lasts well and heals cracked lips quickly. Top tip: Always…

Our boisterous lad didn't let it hold him back It’s a boy!’ the sonographer announced at my 20-week scan. My fella Jamie Morris, 27, and I were chuffed. Expecting our first baby was so exciting. Then, looking closer, the nurse frowned. ‘I can’t see the fingers on his right hand,’ she commented. Doctors weren’t sure why, but our boy’s fingers weren’t developing. Further scans showed that, otherwise, he was fine. Relieved, we welcomed our gorgeous Cian into the world in January 2010. Weighing 9lb 6oz, other than his missing digits, Cian was healthy. Doctors at Morriston Hospital, Swansea suspected he’d suffered amniotic band syndrome. It’s a freak occurrence that can restrict blood flow to a foetus’ limbs in the womb. Soon, we’d an appointment to discuss Cian’s treatment options. A…

We'd just had a honeymoon so this was a secondone! Slipping into the hot tub next to my new hubby Peter, I sipped my cocktail – this is the life! Breathtaking views, sun, sea, and fabulous company. Not to mention the all-inclusive hotel and lovely food. And our Tenerife holiday was such an unexpected treat. I’d won it by playing Chat Mag Bingo – just a few weeks after I’d joined! I’d spotted an ad for Chat Mag Bingo and it looked fun. There were lots of games and I liked the slots. Three weeks after I’d signed up, I got a phone call ‘You’ve won a holiday to Tenerife,’ the caller said. She explained that if you played bingo, slots or casino during the promotion period and wagered the…

I was born with uterus didelphys – it's a rare condition You couldn’t make it up… I was dating a garage mechanic. The one who came to my rescue when I couldn’t roll down the roof of my car! My knight in oily overalls! Lee Welch, now 38, was handsome. But, most importantly, he was kind, and he made me laugh. I liked him a lot. Which is why I’d decided to be honest from the get-go. ‘It’s really hard for me to have kids,’ I explained one evening, half expecting him to run a mile. But he didn’t. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said kindly. ‘How come?’ ‘Here goes!’ I laughed. And, with that, I told him my story. Of course, by then, Lee knew I was already Mum to Molly,…

When Mark was drunk, he could be difficult and aggressive Looking at my petite mum Rita, 67, it was hard to believe she’d carried two sets of twins. At just 5ft 2in tall, her personality was larger than life. And she adored all of us kids – my big brothers, identical twins Martin and Mark, and me and my twin Karl. Then, in January 2015, tragedy struck when Karl died aged just 33. After having battled depression for years, he took a fatal overdose. Mum had found him. He’d lived at home and, after our dad Ray died in 2011, it was just Karl and Mum. They even worked together in the family furniture business. Losing Karl was hard enough for me, but watching Mum crumble, I put my own…

Second life for your linen A worn bedsheet can be cut into lengths to make pillowcases or strips for dusters. Linda Keen, Sheffield Green tea?  Don't throw away leftover tea. Dilute it with water and then pour onto your houseplants. Mine seem to thrive on the stuff! Tara Meehan, Darlington Plant holder I made this unique trellis by stringing together colourful hangers with cables. Verna Read, Rainham For the flowers I'd run out of vases, so I covered a cleaned-out coffee jar with some smart red giftwrap. So I soon had somewhere to pop my daffodils! G Paramor, Douglas Soap pot  Grate a little soap on your newly planted seeds as it'll deter slugs and also stop birds digging them up. Wendy Smith, Exeter Mini activity centre When I'm out…

Ugly veins Q I have little red thread veins on my face and they're getting worse. Can I get rid of them? Maureen, 51 A These tiny, broken blood vessels become more common with age. Some people are simply prone to them, but too much sun or alcohol might contribute. Home treatment can cover them up - a permanent cure means laser or surgery. Wonky honker Q My nose bends to one side and bulges at the tip. I can't afford private surgery - could I have it fixed on the NHS? Maria, 27 A Try closing each nostril in turn with a finger, and breathing in. If either side is permanently blocked, you might qualify for NHS surgery. Otherwise, it's not likely that the NHS will pay…

Steven stood over me, pummelling his fist into my face It was January last year when the mysterious friend request popped up on my Facebook page. He’s hot! I thought, checking out the handsome stranger’s profile picture. Tall, dark hair, sexy stubble. His name was Steven Webley, and although we’d never met, he was a friend of a friend. Intrigued, I accepted, and Steven, 28, sent me a message. Hi, he wrote. I replied, and we were soon chatting away. Over the next few weeks, our messages got flirtier and flirtier – until… Do you fancy meeting up? Steven asked. Do I?! A few days later, Steven came round to my flat. He was charming, not to mention gorgeous – even better than his photo! That night, we watched TV,…

1 Chop a large tomato into chunks and mix with juice of a lime and a small handful of chopped coriander. 2 Mash a ripe avocado into a small bowl. 3 Beat 5 eggs with 1tbsp milk and season with salt. Heat a heavy-based nonstick frying pan over a low heat and melt a knob of butter. Add eggs and cook slowly, stirring until eggs are soft and wobbly. Remove from heat, and stir in another small knob of butter. 4 Toast 2 slices of bread and top both slices with mashed avocado, scrambled eggs, and tomato salsa. Sprinkle with pepper to serve. Serves: 2 Cost per head: £1.05 LIFE!DEATH!PRIZES! For more foodie bargains, visit www.lifedeathprizes.com and click on ‘best buys’…

Out and about I spotted this sign on a trip to a local farm. Good to know there are still some children out there who are not glued to their phones! Irene Emerson, Grimsby Photo of the week Here's a bowl of delicious butternut-squash chilli I made from a Chat recipe - my family loved it! Eva Vida, via Facebook Happy ever after Yes! What a refreshing read Dad married a drag queen (28 April issue) made. Des Bellamy is obviously a wonderful father, who’s brought up his daughter Jodie to become a loving, magnanimous young woman. I’m so pleased that Des met Wayne – they were obviously made for each other! I wish them a lifetime of happiness together. Christine Walker, Workington • All contributions to Chat must be…

I was big, but thought a gastric band seemed a bit too drastic Slipping me into an unflattering T-shirt, my mum Pauline smiled. ‘Perfect!’ she said. Cringing, I felt frumpy. I was only 11 years old, and already needed an adult size-16. Every year on my birthday, I’d blow out the candles and wish… Make me thinner. But wishing wasn’t enough! I’d scoff several packets of my favourite salt-and-vinegar crisps every day at school and home. Then I’d devour the hearty meals that Mum cooked. At 20, I met Bob, my now hubby, then 26, and felt comfier in my size-18 skin. We got engaged in November 2003, when Thomas was born, joining his sister Isabel, then 1. Busy looking after them, I covered up in baggy outfits. Bob loved…

1 Ride the cable If you don't fancy a 426m climb on foot, take the easy route! The cable car will propel you to the ‘Top Of The Rock' in six minutes, with views out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. 2 Monkey around Head to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to see native Barbary macaques - the only wild monkey population in Europe. They're cute, friendly and cheeky! 3 St Michael's cave Wander through awe-inspiring stalactites formed over thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks believed the cave was an entrance to Hades. Now, the space doubles as a 400-seat concert hall. 4 The Great Siege Tunnels The Brits have controlled Gibraltar since 1713, but the Spanish have tried to recapture The Rock many times. Notably, The Great Siege…

Gemini 22 May - 21 June Haven’t you been here before? Yes, a few weeks ago. But don’t worry, this isn’t some new crisis, just a few knock-on effects from earlier. Tidy up these loose ends and then you’ll be able to put the whole thing behind you. Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June - 23 July Sometimes you’re happy to let your work go unnoticed - but this time you want your name on it, and for people to be amazed at how much you’ve managed to achieve. Proud? Yes, and rightly so. Showing off? No, not at all. Call 0905 817 0693* for more Leo 24 July - 23 Aug Are you and a rival becoming friends? It seems so, although neither of you is…