Table of contents for 11-Jul-2019 in Chat

After living every mum’s worst nightmare, Sophie shares how someone she trusted was betraying her family in the worst way imaginable (p24). Kenna used to despise her big tummy, but not any more. Read how she’s having her cake and eating it, too! (p34) And, in her moment of terrible grief, campaigning mum Tania is working hard to make sure no-one else will face the same fate as her daughter (p40). As well as tons more real life stories, we’re packed with all your faves, including our usual prize puzzles, fashion (p12) and recipes (p27). Plus vouchers to save a packet on family days out. Roll on, summer hols!…

Molly Burkmar, 20, Bournemouth Gripping my sister Abbie’s hand, I tried my best to keep her calm. ‘You’re doing great,’ I smiled. It was September 2017 and I was one of Abbie’s birthing partners. Her partner Josh, 24, was here at Poole Hospital, too. Abbie looked exhausted. But we all knew it would be worth it. And a few hours later, beautiful Oscar arrived. After Abbie, 22, and Josh had their cuddles, it was my turn. ‘He’s so gorgeous,’ I cooed. Knew I’d try to be the best aunty to Oscar Just as I had been with Abbie’s firstborn Jack, 2. In January 2018, Abbie rang to say Oscar was in hospital – but it seemed it was just a routine checkup. So many children still need life-saving transplants Only,…

Nipple issue Q I've always had one inverted nipple but when my boyfriend sucked it, it popped out for a few minutes. Help! Zoe, Hackney A Your nipple is tethered by scar-like fibres which can produce an inverted nipple that pops out with sucking or squeezing. It's harmless, and nipple shields or breast-feeding might coax it out for good. A newly inverted nipple must be checked. Down there Q I've an itchy red rash around my vagina. My doctor's diagnosed Paget's disease. Is it serious? Marilyn, Nantes APaget's disease of the skin is a form of slow-growing cancer, so it's important to treat it. It doesn't usually spread, and treatment will often clear it completely. You might need an op to remove affected skin, or cream to help your immune…

‘I’ve got this, Mum!’ Incredible Amy Jennifer Geary, 34, Bedfordshire Cradling my newborn, Amy, I let myself wonder who she’d become. A girly girl, perhaps? But with two boisterous big brothers at home, she’d have to learn to give as good as she got! In that moment, her potential seemed endless. It was September 2017, and Amy had arrived weighing 6lb 2oz, healthy and hungry. Back home, my husband Brendan, 48, and my boys – Jack, then 9, and Daniel, 7 – doted on her. But, when she was just 12 weeks old, we were back in Luton and Dunstable Hospital with her for a checkup. I’d had a heart murmur in the past. And our doctors said if something was wrong with mum, they check baby, too – just…

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Q What’s so appealing about feederism? A People love eating and they love sex. So combining the two can be so pleasurable. Also, being bigger is sexy - there's more flesh for you to play with! Q So, what are your clients like? A Most are really normal-looking men, between the ages of 20 to 40. But I get women paying for videos and messaging me, too. For some, it's a huge turn-on - they're what we in the community call ‘fat admirers'. But other bigger girls that follow me feel a lot better about themselves, seeing me getting so much admiration. If I ever get anyone creepy or pushy, I end the chat or video call. Q What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked to do? A One man…

Tina Taylor, 58, Tadcaster Over the years, I’ve always been a huge fan of bingo. From going down to my local bingo hall with friends back in the day, it’s always something I’ve loved to do in my free time. However, in 2009 a friend recommended I sign up to Chat Mag Bingo because she knew I liked to play. ‘It’s so much fun! Plus you can play from the comfort of your own home!’ she said excitedly. At that point, times had changed, and it had been a while since I’d last been to the bingo hall. And the more I heard about Chat Mag Bingo, the more I wanted to sign up! So, in July 2009, I decided to give online bingo a go. Straight away, I loved…

Helen Morley, 44, Fleetwood Fist pumping the air, my hubby Alan roared as Fleetwood Town FC scored. Throwing his arms round our girls, Olivia, 13, and Emily, 12, then ruffling our son Sam’s hair, Alan bounced triumphantly. ‘We did it!’ he shrieked. We’d always been season-ticket holders. Loved a family day out to the footie. Actually, we loved family time full stop. I’d met Alan at 17, when he’d literally swept me off my feet by crashing into me at a local dry ski slope. Now, in summer 2014, as we celebrated a Fleetwood Town victory, our lives were sweet. Sam, 17, would go to university soon, the girls were excelling at school. ‘We should get a place abroad once we retire,’ Alan suggested. Another phase of our lives to…

My fabulous friends and family, Do you remember when we were all celebrating my ‘lucky escape’? In 1999, I’d been diagnosed with kidney cancer. I’d been shocked, devastated. But after surgery to remove my right kidney, it was sorted. Within a few weeks, I’d seen off cancer. No further treatment needed, just regular checkups. Since then, each year I remained healthy. I retired from my job as a training manager and loved spending time in the garden, going for walks. Being with you all, too – grabbing a coffee or heading out for Sunday lunch. Only, it wasn’t to last. At a routine check-up in early 2013, the radiographer spotted suspicious masses on my remaining kidney. ‘It looks like cancer again,’ he said. Alone at the appointment, I was numb.…

Lucy Gameson, 44, Wrexham Sipping his pint at our local, my friend Peter Hall suddenly looked serious. ‘Shall we try again?’ he asked. We’d met in 1997 and became a couple, but I’d ended things because Peter, who everyone called Chimp, had explosive mood swings. We’d briefly tried again in 2008, before becoming friends. But now, in October 2010, Chimp seemed calmer, more gentlemanly. He’s grown up, I reckoned. ‘I’d like that,’ I smiled. Third time lucky? And, at first, things were great. Chimp seemed like he’d changed. Not an ounce of anger in him. He got on with my son Trystan, then 15, too. But by Christmas, I was feeling suffocated. Chimp was always round, or constantly texting. Flattering at first, it quickly felt obsessive. If I didn’t reply…

On the face of it, Bonnie and Michael Haim seemed a happy young couple. Photos showed them smiling side-by-side. Bonnie, 23, with beautiful olive skin and dark eyes, holding their baby son Aaron in her arms. But behind closed doors of their home in Jacksonville, Florida, there were problems. Bonnie was desperately unhappy. Michael was verbally abusive, and the abuse turned physical on more than one occasion. Once, he slammed his wife’s hand in a car door. Desperate for a way out, Bonnie opened a secret bank account in her own name. She was planning to escape. Keen to cover her tracks, Bonnie had bank statements posted to her work address. But her attempts to keep the account secret failed. Bonnie and Michael worked together at a construction company, and…

Treating sunburn Q I've overdone the sun. What can I do? Paula, Romney Marsh A Best not to burn in the first place - cover up, seek shade and use sunscreen. Once the damage is done, try a cool shower, soothing lotions such as calamine or aloe vera, painkillers, antihistamine for itching and hydrocortisone cream. See a doctor if you're feverish or shivery. Cleaning my ears Q The practice nurse gave me a hard time for using a cotton bud to clean my ear. Why? Hannah, Dumfries A There's a saying: never put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear - meaning, don't put anything in there! Your ears are self-cleaning. Cotton buds ram any wax that's there against your eardrum, and can cause damage. See your GP if…

Lisa Zsentko, 43, Stotfold Toddling along, my little boy Stone planted a kiss on his sister’s cheek. ‘You’re so cute,’ Atlanta cooed, picking him up for a cuddle. It was October 2012 and Stone, 11 months, was doted on by Atlanta, 10, and my other children, Blaze, 6, Devon, 13, Alisha, 16, and 19-year-old Georgia. Stone loved coming with me to pick the younger ones up from school, then we’d all go for an ice cream or to the cinema. Precious moments. Days later, I took Stone to buy his first pair of shoes. ‘Clever boy,’ I beamed, as he tottered towards me. I was so proud he’d just taken his first few steps. But, carving Halloween pumpkins the next day, Stone wasn’t his usual smiley self. He was suddenly…

SAVE UP TO £10 Borth Wild Animal Park Borth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY24 5NA borthzoo.co.uk Terms and conditions Valid to 30 September 2019. One voucher per party. £2 off up to 5 people. Not to be used with any other offer. Management reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time and without prior warning. Photocopies not accepted. Voucher value 0.0001p. No cash alternative. NOT FOR RESALE. Subject to availability. SAVE £7.50 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Westbourne Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 3TR birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Terms and conditions Valid to 30 September 2019. Applies to admission only, not tickets events. Only one voucher per group. No cash alternative. Only one voucher per group. Photocopies not accepted. Voucher value 0.0001p and cannot be resold. Management reserve the right to withdraw this offer at…

It's a postcode lottery with premiums, says comparison website MoneySuperMarket. It analysed the average cost of annual policies for a 4-year-old Labrador by location. The priciest area was West London at £585 - nearly three times more than the cheapest in Dumfries and Galloway, where it was an average of £198. Here's how to reduce costs - without moving house! 1 Get yourself the very best deal ‘It always pays to shop around for cover,' says Rose Howarth, Head of Pet Insurance for MoneySuperMarket. ‘Plus, your premium is likely to decrease, if you're willing to pay a higher excess on any claim you make. ‘But do keep the excess affordable, in case you have to pay it.' 2 Consider multi-pet cover If you have more than one animal, you can…

Dove Pro Age Body Lotion, £6.29, Tesco Body moisturising just got pumped up with a hefty dose of skincare technology thanks to Dove. Their Pro Age Body Lotion contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids to be more precise!), which gently stimulate the natural exfoliation of dead skin cells. This lotion does more than just hydrate, it whips away dullness and boosts your radiance too. Perfect for those summer months when you’re starting to bare that little bit more! Botanics Mindful Calm Massage Oil, £8.99, Boots Whether you’ve persuaded your other half to loosen those knots between your shoulders, or you’re on the hunt for a zesty smelling body oil to smooth onto your skin after a shower, this bottle of goodness is the one for you. The revitalising notes of mandarin…

Tania El-Keria, 54, Feltham Screaming at the top of her lungs, my daughter Amy, 4, flailed her arms, her cheeks pink and tears streaming. ‘I want chocolate!’ she said. ‘I said “no”,’ I told her calmly. Amy was a bright little character, lit up every room with her infectious laughter. I found a dressing gown cord in her wardrobe But boy, did she hate the word ‘no’. I was a single mum, and Amy’s big sisters Amber, then 13, and Gemma, then 11, adored her as much as I did. But I suspected Amy wasn’t going to be easy growing up. By 6, she’d been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette’s syndrome. A complicated little girl, she needed additional support both at home and at school.…

Coronation Street Paul and Billy split up! Paul flipped last week when the police came calling after Sean wrongly accused him of stealing a cash-filled charity box. After being beaten up, Sean reckons Paul gave him a pasting in revenge, but it turns out he’s wrong again… and his claims cause problems for Paul and Billy, who split up. Meanwhile, Robert spreads himself thinly as he keeps up his double life, and an exasperated Gail goes AWOL after Nick and David’s court appearance. Emmerdale Will Jacob make up with David? Refusing to believe that he was being groomed, Jacob’s still angry with David for getting Maya arrested and is giving his dad the cold shoulder. Last week, David came up with the idea of setting up an anonymous online gaming…

New kitty on the block Meet Puss, the newest addition to our family. We named him Puss because he looks like Puss in Boots trying to get his own way with his pinned-down little ears! Alexandra Low, Halesowen Phone-less feasts Following Sylvia Foster’s ( Chat 21 February) and Sally Cook’s ( Chat 2 May) letters, we’ve banned phones at the table in our house. It didn’t go down well with the teenager initially, but now we have much more enjoyable meals together. I might even make this rule apply to guests too! Elizabeth Lloyd, Tooting Coffee comedian I work part-time as a barista, and one day I asked a customer how he took his coffee. ‘Very, very seriously,’ he replied. Jacqueline Drury, Buckley Photo of the week Happy birthday to…

Super-scooper  To pot your plant efficiently and economically, cut a scoop-shaped section off a milk container. This will allow you to direct the compost easily to where you want it. Helen Lake, Stevenage Stay whole  Storing bath soap on the soft area of a sponge scourer keeps the bar whole and usable for longer. It'll save you time and money, plus there's much less mess! Marion Aldred, London Go bananas  To stop your bananas going black after a few days, pull them apart and wrap the ends in cling film. It'll keep them fresh for at least five more days! Aileen Evans, Larne Bag over box  Instead of buying snack-size raisin boxes every week, I've saved money by buying a big bag of raisins to refill the smaller lunchbox-friendly cartons!…

On 12 April this year, Michael Haim was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the sentencing hearing, Aaron, now 29, said, ‘I think anyone can imagine, even if it’s not a loved one, finding a skull, picking it up, just what that would do to somebody. Not to mention, it’s your mother.’ And Bonnie’s sister Liz Peak said they’d always known Michael had killed his wife. ‘For 26 years, we searched for answers to our many questions,’ she said. ‘However, none of us wavered in our belief of what happened to Bonnie and who did it. We got justice, but we don’t have Bonnie.’…

It hurts when I wee! Q There's a burning pain when I wee. My sexual-health clinic diagnosed urethritis but can't find any infection, so what's caused it? Simon, Newcastle-under-Lyme A Your urethra, the tube you pee through, is inflamed. Usually it's due to a sexual infection such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia - but when there's no obvious infection, then rubbing during sex or masturbation, or an allergy to soap, spermicide or latex, could be to blame. Try avoiding all these. 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.…

Crunchy chipotle tacos  Serves: 4-6 Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 30 min • 1 pack Quorn mince • 1tbsp sunflower oil • 1 medium onion, finely diced • 2 garlic cloves, grated • 1-2tsp chipotle paste (to taste) • 1 vegetable stock cube, crumbled • 390g carton chopped tomatoes • 2tbsp tomato puree • 50ml water • 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed • Handful of chopped coriander • Salt and pepper to season Pink pickled onions: • 1 red onion, finely sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Juice of 1 orange Serve with: • Taco shells (2-3 per person) • Shredded lettuce • Diced avocado, dressed in lime juice • Grated cheese • Sour cream 1 Preheat the oil in a large pan, fry the onion…

2016: Neighbour killer A mental-health patient - who'd only been released from a psychiatric hospital hours before - stabbed his neighbour, Kamil Ahmad, to death on 7 July 2016. Kamil Ahmad suffered 70 separate knife injuries when he was attacked by Jeffrey Barry. The jury was told Barry was racist towards Iraqi-born Mr Ahmad and had previously assaulted him. At Bristol Crown Court, Barry admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility but was found guilty of murder and jailed for life. 2010: Manhunt On 10 July 2010, Raoul Moat died from gunshot wounds after a six-hour stand-off with police in Rothbury, Northumberland. Days earlier, Moat had been released from Durham prison. He went on to shoot his former partner, kill her new boyfriend, and blind PC David Rathband by shooting…

Kenna Blake, 23 Clutching a huge greasy slab of pizza, I stared seductively at the webcam – and crammed the slice in my mouth. I groaned with pleasure as the tomato sauce slopped on to my chin and down my chest. It was July 2017 and I was making a video of myself stuffing my face. Wow, so sexy! a male viewer wrote in the message bar when I later posted it online. And despite weighing 25st and being a size-34, I’d never felt more attractive. Incredible – considering just a few years ago I’d been at rock bottom. I’d always been big. As a child, I was addicted to chocolate and fried chicken. I weighed 17st and was a size-22 by age 13. School bullies would shout, ‘You’re fat…

1 Do you have dry and brittle nails? Give them a break from polish and massage your cuticles with Superdrug’s Vitamin E Hair and Body Oil, £2.99. The combination of this and the circulation boost from the massage equals stronger nails. 2 Sun protection is a must in summer, but ditch the added SPF at night. Your skin needs a break from those extra chemicals. Try YourGoodSkin ProVitamin Overnight Cream, £7.50. 3 Don’t forget your scalp when it comes to sun protection, especially if you have thin, short or very fair hair. Pack a mist that is made to shield without adding grease, then you’ll be sure to use it. Try Soltan Head & Scalp Clear & Cool Protect Spray SPF30, £5.…

A spokesperson for The Priory Group said, ‘We would like to repeat our sincere and profound apologies to Amy's family. Following the incident, Priory Healthcare Limited took significant steps to strengthen those areas at the hospital where the court found there were weaknesses, including additional training and support for staff to enable them to manage patients at risk of self-harm more robustly, including dealing with emergencies. We remain absolutely focussed on patient safety and will continue to work closely with commissioners and regulators to learn lessons from incidents and inspections quickly, and ensure all concerns are addressed in a timely and robust way.'…

I wanted to say how happy Emma and her husband Stuart seemed in their story in Chat 2 May on mixed-weight relationships. There are so many more important things to worry about in the world, and judging somebody based on their weight is so superficial. But true love can see past things like this. You love the person, not the size. Emma and Stuart make a great couple, and set such a good example to others. Their story made me smile, especially as they're living their best lives with their lovely kids. I say good luck to them, and wish them many more years of happiness. Richard Emerson, Grimsby…

In October 1996, two desperate figures sat in a bar, off their heads on methamphetamine. James Daveggio was a registered sex offender with a serial-killer obsession. Michelle Michaud had her own demons. To neighbours, she appeared friendly and warm, volunteering at a Catholic church. But she lived a double life. A teenage runaway, she’d been preyed on by a pimp and become a prostitute. His sick desires had progressed to a lust to kill Now, she spent her evenings bragging of her antics as a high-class hooker, shocking with her foulmouthed sex stories. At the bar that evening, Daveggio and Michaud locked eyes. And, in that moment, a deadly partnership was formed. Michaud called Daveggio ‘Froggie’. He fondly called her ‘Mickie’. Moving in together, the couple became renowned for their…