Table of contents for 03-Jan-2019 in Pick Me Up!

A bad influence. That’s what I tell my best mate Jay she is. ‘Me!’ she’ll splutter. ‘You’re the one that’s trouble!’ Truth is, get the pair of us together and we both get the devil in us! Mates since we were 17, Jay and I are always cracking each other up with laughter. But it’s not all jokes and laughs with us. When the going gets tough, we’re there for one another. When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 I just couldn’t face talking about it at first. After a month, though, I cracked, told her everything. ‘Oh hun,’ she said. ‘I knew something was wrong.’ She knows me better than anyone. Knows just how to cheer me up. So before my op she surprised me with a…

The hall was buzzing with chatter. It was 2008, I was 16, and a member of the Explorer Scouts in Margate. Just then, a tall, dark-haired lad called Dan, 15, plonked himself beside me. ‘He sits next to me every week,’ I told my mum, Helen, 53, later. ‘Do you like him?’ Mum asked. ‘We’re just friends,’ I said. But that all changed at Dan’s 16th birthday party, when we spent the whole night chatting. Walking me to the train station later, he took my hand. We shared a smile - and in that moment, I knew. I’d found the love of my life. And I was right. In time, we left the Scouts, both went to the same university in Canterbury. Then, after graduating in 2015, we got engaged.…

Sprinting down the running track, I felt the power and strength in my limbs. It was August 2013 and I was competing in a world-famous athletics competition. This year it was in Michigan, America. Later, I’d be diving in the pool for the swimming, then captaining the women’s football team. I was hoping to win big! Born with dwarfism, I stood at 4ft 2in tall. And this was no usual competition. It was the World Dwarf Games. Raised in rural New South Wales with my parents Ross and Margot and brother Joe, my condition had been clear from the moment I’d arrived. Despite Dad being an average height of 5ft 11in, Mum had achondroplasia dwarfism. Joe too. At first, my short stature didn’t bother me, but then the bullying started.…

Staring into the toilet in terror, I couldn’t help screaming for Mum. It was summer 2013 and, at just 16 years old, I’d struggled with bellyaches and extreme exhaustion for two years. Doctors said they’d need to remove a portion of my bowel Usually an active morning person, I suddenly couldn’t get out of bed, and when I could, I was running to the bathroom. But this was the first time I’d seen blood in my poo. ‘What’s wrong, love?’ asked my mum Tracy, 45. As I explained, she promised to take me to the GP the next day. After a blood test, I was referred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where surgeons used a camera to see what was going on in my bowel. ‘I’m scared,’ I gasped to Mum.…

When Polly Chowdhury met Kiki Muddar in 2007, she had just moved to Chadwell Heath, east London, with her husband Afsar Ali and their little girl Ayesha. Born prematurely, Ayesha had been a fighter. Growing up, she loved reading, excelled at school and cared about those around her. She’d say she wanted to be a schoolteacher, or an aid worker, helping children who were suffering around the world. A happy child, wise for her years and well-behaved, Ayesha had a heart of gold. Her parents doted on her. When the family’s new neighbour Kiki started hanging around, wanting to befriend Polly, Afsar got a bad feeling. He thought she seemed sly, a control freak, and tried to warn his wife. But before he knew it, Polly and Kiki were firm…

Huffing and puffing, I pushed the driver’s seat back as far as it would go, and squeezed myself into position. With a sigh, I glanced down at the rolls of belly fat spilling over the steering wheel. But that wasn’t my only problem. The seat was so far back my legs only just reached the pedals. Hardly ideal, considering I was behind the wheel of a 40-ton school bus! I’d been driving buses since my early 20s and had always prided myself on being a careful driver. After all, I was carrying precious cargo. If I gain any more weight, though, I won’t be able to reach the footbrake, I thought in shock. Worst thing was, I only had myself to blame. It was June 2014 and, at a size-28…

Moroccan chickpea salad  Serves 4 Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min ◻ 2 x 400g can chickpeas, drained ◻ 1tsp Moroccan-style salt ◻ 4 sweet potatoes, cut into wedges ◻ 2tbsp olive oil ◻ 125g baby spinach leaves ◻ 90g rocket leaves ◻ 200g feta cheese, broken into cubes ◻ 200g mixed cherry tomatoes, halved ◻ 200g sun-blushed tomatoes (from a jar), drained of their oil For the dressing ◻ 3tbsp tahini (sesame paste) ◻ Juice of half a lemon ◻ 1tbsp olive oil 1 Heat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6. Scatter the chickpeas into a roasting tin and sprinkle with the salt. Spread the sweet potatoes out in another roasting tin. Drizzle the oil over the chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Roast the chickpeas for 15-20 min and the…

Police searched the garden, even took away the pot plants for forensics. Sox must have tried to protect Colin from the intruder. We realised our loyal dog had a small stab wound on his chest. But thankfully he soon recovered. For the next six weeks, me and the kids stayed with my parents, Irene, 68, and Jimmy, 70. ‘I can’t believe Colin has gone,’ I sobbed to them. We were all in total shock. I started suffering from anxiety, couldn’t eat or sleep. Had panic attacks too. Kyle wouldn’t talk about what had happened, just bottled it all up. While Amy didn’t stop crying. I missed Colin desperately. Every minute of every day. In November, Colin’s daughter-in-law gave birth to his first grandchild. A beautiful little girl. ‘Your grandad was…

Nice ‘n’ cheesy Mozzarella sticks are an irresistible party food bite that kids and adults will love! Who could resist gooey cheese in a crisp coating? These packs of 12 from Sainsbury’s are down to £1.20 (usually £1.50) until 1 January. Heaven scent Make your home smell that bit sweeter by grabbing a Flamingo Bay Hibiscus & Prosecco Scented Reed Essential Oil Diffuser (100ml) from Rex London. Usually £12.95, now £4.95 (plus P&P) until 28 January.From rexlondon.com , subject to availability. Gonuts Plenish Organic Almond M*lk is a delicious and versatile alternative to dairy milk. This vegan milk is organic, unsweetened and only made from three ingredients. It’s only £2 at Waitrose (usually £2.50). Fab fish Smoked salmon is the ultimate luxury addition to any festive spread…

Can I test myself? Q I’ve had vaginal discharge for a while, but I’m too embarrassed to be examined. I’ve only had a couple of boyfriends, but one cheated on me. Is there a way I can swab myself and get tested? Linda, Cork A Self-taken mid-vaginal swabs (inserted about a tampon length) can be quite effective. Be brave and speak to your GP about your worries about being examined. They can arrange for a self-swab to be tested. Melanoma removal Q We live right out in the country and our hospital is miles away, so I had a mole removed by my GP. But it’s come back as cancer. I’m now worried that it should have been removed properly by a specialist... Eve, Norwich A In rural settings, melanomas…

What’s normal, what’snot? Claustrophobia It’s normal to fear being trapped when there’s a genuine threat, but having claustrophobia means that you are fearful in situations when there’s no obvious or realistic danger. Many folk are able to cope with their claustrophobia, but visit your GP if it is disrupting your life – he or she can refer you to a specialist. Have you tried… Gordon’s Ultra Low Alcohol Gin & Tonic Flavoured Drink? Cutting back on the booze for January? Enjoy a classic Gordon’s G&T without the guilt, thanks to these new low-calorie, low-alcohol versions. Available in two flavours – Lime and Grapefruit – they’re only 68 calories a serving and 0.5% ABV. (£1.49 per bottle or £4.99 for 4, at Asda.) 500 ...that’s how many diabetes patients, at least,…

Bad habits aren’t easy to stamp out We’ve all been there. The mad rush of Christmas has finished, and now we’re left feeling stuffed and sluggish from all the turkey feasts, chocolates and mulled wine. And after the last boozy blast of New Year’s Eve is over, and we open a bleary eye to the cold reality of 1 January, chances are we’ll find ourselves vowing to make a fresh start. To live a fitter, healthier, more productive life. At least that’s the theory. In reality, many of us just make the same resolutions year after year. Join the gym, give up smoking, cut down the booze. New year, new you. But despite thousands of us swearing blind we’ll turn over a new leaf, research suggests that fewer than 10…

We put some truly original products to the test… Day 2 Dry Wash Spray, £7.50, day2.com Spritzed onto crumpled clothes, this clever spray freshens up your clobber and even removes creases – no iron required! There are options for delicates and denim too. Verdict: GENIUS! Why didn’t we think of that?! Toast Heated Pillow, £29.99, firebox.com One for toast lovers, snuggle up with your very own slice thanks to this smiling pillow. A high-tech alternative to your hot water bottle, it charges via a USB cable and stays warm for up to four hours. Verdict: BONKERS! It won’t leave crumbs on the sofa, though. Yes to Tomatoes Blemish Fighting Bubbling Paper Mask, £4, beautybay.com Pop onto clean skin and watch this spot-busting mask start…

Heading home after a special day out, I was feeling excited. It was July 2018, and me and my fiancee Sarah, 44, had spent the day having a suit fitting for our wedding the following month. We’d spent ages planning a ceremony at the register office followed by a party for all our friends and family at a local pub. We planned to book a honeymoon to Bulgaria, too. ‘It’s so close now!’ I said to Sarah as we headed to bed. Together eight years, I couldn’t wait to make things official. We soon drifted off - only sometime after 1am, I woke up needing the loo. Not wanting to disturb Sarah, I fumbled my way to the bedroom door in the dark. Only, half asleep, I misjudged and whacked…

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Detective Chief Inspector Mark Baker said, ‘It’s approaching eight years since Colin Hughes was murdered at his home address in Old Swan and we remain determined to find those responsible and allow his family to finally have some closure. ‘Colin was a man dearly loved by those that knew him, and his death left a great hole in the lives of his family and friends. ‘We know that loyalties change over time and I would hope that anyone with information can find the courage to come forward to tell us what they know. We are committed to finding those responsible for the death of Mr Hughes and bringing them to justice for this crime, which has deeply affected so many lives.’ • If anyone has any information, please call Crimestoppers…

Teddy travels When your little one stays away for the night, they’ll want to take all their toys with them. Make life easier and use an old wine carrier to transport them. It worked wonders for my daughter. Gillian Jackson, Todmorden Shower flower power Getting flowers is lovely, but without a vase they can drip everywhere. Stop this from happening by placing a colourful shower cap around the bottom of the bunch. It works a treat! Carla Johnson, Harold Hill Cool idea Keep your packed lunch fresh all day long without the faff of ice packs. I used a frozen eye mask to keep it cool and it worked amazingly well. Margaret Rymer, Much Wenlock On the button When sewing a button on a skirt or trousers, place a piece…

1 Add fennel to the menu 'Fennel is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries for bloating and indigestion, and can certainly come in handy after heavy meals,’ says nutritionist Lily Soutter. 2 Eat fruit separately According to nutritionist Emma Thornton from herbal-remedy company A.Vogel, we should stop eating fruit with our meals. She says, 'Fruit will ferment when put in the stomach on top of foods that need strong enzymes to break them down, so you’ll feel uncomfortable.’ 3 Keep gobbling the turkey Emma also says, 'Lean turkey meat is low in fat, and high-fat foods can be a common trigger for heartburn and indigestion. It’s low in calories, too.’…

Cataracts Age-related cataracts 1 occur when the lens (atransparent disc inside the eye)develops cloudy patches. ■ True ■ False 2 Cataracts usually develop in just one eye. ■ True ■ False 3 Symptoms include misty vision and findinglights too bright. ■ True ■ False 4 Cataracts can be treated with a simple courseof antibiotics. ■ True ■ False 1 TRUE These patches usually become bigger over time, causing blurry vision and eventually blindness. 2 FALSE It is more common that cataracts develop in both eyes, but not necessarily at the same time. 3 TRUE You may also find that colours look faded, and you might struggle to see in low light. 4 FALSE Cataracts worsen over time, so you will eventually need surgery to remove and replace the affected lens.…

Leanne’s relaxing night turned into one full of excitement  Leanne Wall, 33, Derby The summer evening was lovely and warm and, after a busy day, I was looking forward to unwinding on the sofa. And one thing I do enjoy on an evening like this is a spot of Pick Me Up! Bingo. It was July 2018 and I’d been a member for more than three and a half years. I loved the site - the games are so colourful and easy to play. It was a perfect way to have a bit of me time. Once I was settled in my PJs, I bought 12 tickets for 10p for a Bingo Lounge game. They were on offer - buy two and get one free. Result! I’d be playing with…

If we’re really serious about changing our ways, then any time of year should be acceptable. I find that gyms and slimming clubs really cash in around the New Year, whereas people can get fit and cut down on junk food themselves without paying the high fees! In my opinion, resolutions are a waste of time. Sandra Ball, Antrim Mine was to lose weight and get back into shape after having my son four years ago. Exhausted from juggling  childcare, housework and everything else, we couldn’t help reaching for the takeaway menus. But this year, I joined a slimming club with my husband, and we’ve never been fitter or healthier. It’s given us a new lease of life. Laura Jackman, Ashford There’s a lot of pressure with resolutions, and you…

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub, £9.95 Get your five a day the easy way with this kale, spirulina, pineapple, parsley and cranberry scrub. Exfoliate two or three times a week to slough dead cells for a brighter, more even complexion. Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Micellar Cleansing Water, £6.99 Micellar waters lift away make-up, dirt and pollution like a magnet. This one is supercharged with charcoal to draw out even more impurities for a deep-down cleanse. Yu Ling Jade Facial Roller (small), £12, cultbeauty.co.uk Save your cucumber for a G&T! this nifty gadget helps stimulate drainage from under the eyes so the area looks less puffy. Over time, it will help diminish those wrinkles and dark circles. Keep it in the fridge for a refreshing treat. Bioré Ultra Deep…

LANCASHIRE Irfaan Ismael, 30, Blackburn On 7 March 2018, a police officer attended a call about a man brandishing a samurai sword on a Blackburn street. On arrival, he was met by Irfaan Ismael, who drew the sword from his waist and lunged at the officer. After a failed stun-gun attempt by the policeman, Ismael chased him down the street, waving the sword. Eventually, on his third attempt, the officer managed to successfully subdue Ismael and, with help from members of the public, detain him. At Preston Crown Court, Ismael admitted affray, possessing an offensive weapon and possessing ammunition, but denied attempted wounding with intent. Found guilty of all charges, Ismael was sentenced to 11 years in prison. ESSEX Paul Hawkridge, 37, Leigh-on-Sea A compulsive gambler who stole millions of…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Mastering others is strength, and I know you’re tired, but mastering yourself is a possibility in the days ahead and it’s something you’re more than capable of. A new attraction brings confused feelings, but give yourself time. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. Don’t try to pretend that you’re not stubborn – you are a Taurus, after all! Time spent thinking about love affairs this weekend will bring you unexpected answers. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Why are you in such a hurry? Events in your life over the coming days require you to savour every moment, and you should enjoy the…

Watching a mum cuddling her little baby in the cafe, my heart ached. ‘I want one,’ I said to my boyfriend Sean, 34. A huge grin swept across his face. ‘Let’s get to work now!’ he winked. ‘At least wait till we get home,’ I laughed. It was December 2007 and, at 35, although I loved Sean’s son and my nieces, I’d never really wanted one of my own. I hadn’t wanted the fairytale wedding, either. Poor Sean had been proposing to me since we got together six years ago, and I’d always said no. But now, my biological clock was ticking. By March, I discovered I was pregnant. And Sean tried his luck again. ‘Can we get married now?’ he asked. ‘OK,’ I nodded. ‘We’ll be a proper little…