Table of contents for 2 May 2024 in Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… Don't you think finding out how people met their other halves is always fascinating? The day I met my nowhubby, he tripped over someone's wheelie suitcase and ended up with two broken elbows! Ten years on, I like to tell people he fell head over heels for me… Our dramatic date is nothing compared to Jessica and Joe's, who were brought together by a medical miracle (p10). Such an amazing love story. Have a great week, PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Ellie Ashbrook, 23, St Helens, Merseyside Playing with my dolls in front of the TV, I heard keys rattle in the door. 'Dad's home!' I called, racing into the hallway. My dad David, then 45, swept me up into a hug. 'Hey sweetheart,' he smiled, before greeting my mum, then 40. It was 2009 and, aged 8, I was a real daddy's girl. When Dad had time off from running his brick-laying business, he'd spoil me and my little brother, then 4, with toys, clothes and holidays. He lavished me with affection, and it meant I gravitated towards him, rather than Mum. The following year, we moved into a bigger house. Dad spent more time at home renovating, while Mum worked an office job. We became closer. Then, one afternoon…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What do the actors Kristin Scott Thomas and John Nettles have in common? To find out, solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Calm and quiet state (5) 4 Nocturnal insect (4) 6 Very clever people (8) 13 Get better from an illness (7) 14 Set free (7) 15 Previous (5) 16 Increase in size (4) 17 Starting point (6) 18 Handy (6) 20 Points a weapon (4) 21 Step (5) 22 Multiply by three (6) 25 Good-looking (8) 28 One-room flat (6) 30 Depart (5) 32 _ DiCaprio, actor (8) 34 Root vegetable (6) 35 A long way away (4) 38 Prejudiced (6) 39 Clergyman (5) 40 Take away (6) 43 Woodwind instrument (4) 44 Alter (6) 45 Most sugary (8) 48 Well done! (5) 49 English county (6) 51 Lowest floor of a building (8) 54 US state (6) 55 Parent's brother…

Can I get a hay fever injection? Q I suffer from really bad hay fever. Antihistamines don't work for me. I've heard there's an injection that can stop hay fever forever – is this true? Verity, Leeds A Hay fever can be a there are options to real pain but, fear not, help ease those streaming eyes and runny nose. Antihistamines need to be taken regularly to be effective. Pair them up with a steroid nose spray – use morning and night for maximum relief. And don't forget the eye drops. This triple threat can help reduce inflammation and congestion in your nasal passages. The injections you've heard about are called allergen immunotherapy. Essentially, they work by gradually desensitising your immune system to specific allergens, potentially offering long-term relief. However,…

Which Cannes Best Actress award winner initially studied ballet but was forced to quit London's Royal Ballet School by a knee injury in her early teens? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Sea currents = TIES + D = TIDES. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2 x £25 Puzzle 9 Sea currents Scottish landowner Notions Kitchen utensils Defraud Distorts Criminal Unit of currency Elbow Walking sticks Fashion Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Crowning glory May Day dates back to Roman times, when festivals all over the world were held to honour fertility and dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers. A May king and queen were crowned and dressed in green – a symbol of fertility. Festivities included dancing, singing and general merriment. Merriment you say? Bring it on! Pole dancing By medieval times, maypole dancing was all the rage, when dancers would move around weaving ribbons into patterns. Each May until Oliver Cromwell's time, a 12m maypole was erected near St Paul's Cathedral, London. Nun Monkton, in North Yorkshire, has had a 27m pole for 200 years! Nosey neighbours For centuries, each year on 1 May, the first thing people in central and northern England did when they woke up was…

Are we more than mates? Q My best friend and I have been sleeping together on and off for years – we've known each other since we were teenagers and whenever we're single we end up in bed. We're both adamant that we don't want to be a couple but it's hard to move on to something new when he's always around. I can tell that our mutual friends are getting bored of us always going back and forth. Please help! Lottie, 31 A It is time to ask yourself some serious questions. Are you sure you don't want a relationship with this man? There must be a reason you end up going back to him. Do you just like keeping him around for the sex? Figure out what you…

3 ways to… MAKE CASH FROM YOUR LOVE OF PETS Being fond of a furry friend could be a nice little earner. 1 Seize the opportunity Many people who have to be out of the house during the day, whether for work or other commitments, need help looking after their pets – and this could earn you some cash. For example, you could make around £10-£15 per hour when dog walking, and it's great exercise too. Plus, you could also earn cash by offering drop-in visits, such as going to the owner's home to feed and spend time with their cat. You may be able to net even more by looking after pets when people go on holiday. For example, you could act as a house sitter and be paid…

My son Thomas yawned as he pushed his food around his plate. I'd made fish fingers – his fave – but he'd hardly touched them. 'Can I go and watch telly now?' he asked. 'Go on then,' I sighed, clearing away his leftovers. It was November 2018 and Thomas, 5, had always loved his food. But now he'd lost his appetite and I was worried. He seemed sapped of energy too, was struggling with a nasty cough that wouldn't budge. Having previously been a teacher, I knew young kids were always sharing germs. Yet this felt like more than your regular bug. And the last time he'd been poorly like this, aged 2, it turned out to be sepsis. Something docs missed until it was nearly too late. This time…

PS… Skin+ Retinol Serum Ampoules, £3, Primark Retinol is a does-it-all anti-ageing ingredient. It speeds up cell turnover, bringing peachy-fresh skin to the surface, and stimulates collagen production to help plump up lines and wrinkles. These encapsulated pods keep the retinol stable and potent, and make sure you're getting the optimum dose of serum each evening. Expect brighter, smoother skin with youthful bounce. So…? Paris Romance Body Mist, £6.99, Superdrug Body mists are making a major comeback. They tend to come in generously sized bottles and be cheaper than eau de parfum, meaning you can spray all over to your heart's content. This mist is inspired by Paris, the city of love and romance! There's sultry orange blossom, enchanting citrus notes and elegant musk, which will transport your senses –…

TRUE-LIFE Sat on my sofa, I couldn't tear my eyes off the telly. It was April 2021, and I'd switched on a documentary about a young lad called Joe DiMeo. Back in 2018, Joe, then 19, nodded off driving home from a night shift. He hit a kerb, his car flipped and exploded. Passers-by pulled him from the flames. But Joe had burns to 80% of his body and spent months in a coma. How did he survive? I thought. He'd had over 20 reconstructive surgeries, his fingers amputated. Thick burn scars meant he could barely see, breathe, talk or eat. He was dependent on his parents. Yet there was hope… It meant a double face and hand transplant! Which was also the reason I'd tuned in. As a transplant…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! Breasia Terrell, 10, and her half-brother, then 8, were attached at the hip. The pair of them were best pals, living together with their mother Aishia Lankford in Davenport, Iowa. Breasia's father had passed away. And her younger brother – identified later in court as DL – rarely saw his dad, Henry Dinkins. Until the summer of 2020, when Aishia bumped into Henry while she was out. She thought it'd be nice if Henry spent some time with DL and tried to forge a bond with his son. Henry agreed, invited DL round for a sleepover. Only, the little lad didn't know his father well. So when Henry arrived to collect him as arranged on 9 July 2020, DL asked if his big sister Breasia could tag…

1 Herbal remedies Lavender oil contains brain-calming compounds, and research shows that taking lavender oil capsules may be as effective as anti-anxiety medication, says Kalms Herbal Remedies' Dr Sarah Jarvis. Or try ashwagandha. Used for thousands of years to relieve anxiety, this herb is believed to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 2 Self-care Practising self-care techniques can make a huge difference. These include eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, reducing caffeine and booze, warm baths, regular rest and exercising. According to a 2018 study, a daily 10-minute walk may be enough to relieve anxiety as much as working out for 45 minutes, so take a brisk walk to calm your nerves. 3 Alternative therapies Mindfulness and yoga are just two alternative treatments for relieving anxiety. Studies show they…

My tummy rumbled as I held my wailing newborn Amber against my chest. It was August 2012 and I'd been up with her all night. I was a first-time mum, coping on my own, and it was hard. Just then, the doorbell dinged over Amber's cries and my mum Jenny, then 56, blustered in. 'I brought you lamb chops and roast potatoes,' she smiled. Within minutes, Mum had Amber snoozing in her lap. 'Go have a bath,' she said. Grateful, I enjoyed a soak before tucking in to the first proper meal I'd had in days. 'Thanks, Mum,' I said. With no time to cook between night feeds and nappy changes, I usually scoffed ready meals, chunks of cheese and crisps. It took its toll. I'd always struggled with my…

This week we meet… Josh Edwards, 30, from Sheffield Which celeb would you invite for a cuppa? It'd have to be my favourite comedian, Peter Kay. I'd love to listen to all his hilarious views on life over a strong cup of tea and a few biscuits! Got any interesting hobbies? Something people might not know about me is that I can play the piano. I'm completely self-taught, too, which is something that I'm quite proud of! Any summer holiday plans? This year, I'll be jetting off on holiday to Egypt. As a huge fan of Egyptian mythology, it's been a lifelong ambition of mine to see the pyramids as well as all the other spectacular monuments. I can't wait! What's your favourite pizza topping? Whenever I order myself a takeaway, I…

The US Marines, especially those operating tanks or assault vehicles, have a superstition regarding which fruit? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Dutch cheese • Ceremony 3 Athenian citadel 5 Annoy • Everything 7 Shop's storage space 9 Dry • Compass bearing Your answer:…

FROM £12.50 SKIRTS STYLE TIP From pencil to tiered, there's a silhouette for everyone. Tuck in your top half to highlight your middle. JACKETS STYLE TIP The perfect in-between weather cover-up. Look for a belted waist for extra definition and layer over a spring frock. ACCESSORIES STYLE TIP The coolest way to wear your blues. Team with your favourite jeans for a subtle take on the double-denim look. DRESSES STYLE TIP For effortless day-to-night wear, the denim dress is your go-to. Layer a tee under a sleeveless style for extra coverage.…

Waving, I watched as my little sister was pushed in her wheelchair up the ramp to her school bus. 'Bye Ella. See you later,' I called. It was summer 2008, I was 6, Ella was 4. At just 6 weeks old, she'd been diagnosed with a brain tumour and surgery complications when removing it left her unable to walk or speak. But her beautiful smile lit up the room. Every day with Ella was a blessing. And every morning I'd wave her off to school. Sadly, that's where my memories of Ella end. Her tumour returned and she died from it in 2009, aged 5. Mum Katy, then 28, and Dad Kevin, then 31, put on brave faces for the rest of us kids – me, then 7, Libby, 4,…

The English royal house of Plantagenet has a name that is thought to derive from the Latin for which plant? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters ART EEL END ERA ERE MUG MUM NUB ORE SET 4 letters MEAN MERE NEON NEST NETT OMEN OMIT 5 letters MAMBO METRE MITRE 6 letters MANAGE MELONS MENTOR MOBBED MUMBLE MUTUAL 8 letters TATTIEST WIN £100 Puzzle 15 TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles PHOTO: GETTY…

NO-FUSS FOOD Use up cheese scraps Easy cheesy omelette Ready in just a few mins, use up leftover cheese and eggs for a speedy meal. SERVES 3 PREP 10 MINS COOK 20 MINS ● 2tbsp olive oil ● 1 red onion, sliced ● 1 sweet potato, peeled and finely sliced ● 6 eggs, beaten ● 120g goat's cheese, sliced ● 3tbsp chives, chopped 1 Heat your grill to high. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the onion and sweet potato and fry gently for 10 mins to soften. Pour in the eggs. Cook for a few mins to firm up. 2 Add the goat's cheese and chives to the pan, cook for a couple of mins, then put under the grill for a few mins to brown and firm up…

26 April-2 May 2024 Aries 21 March-20 April The Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in your sign now! This gives you energy to pursue your heart's desires, so take first steps towards making your aspirations a reality. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Take your time to survey the opportunities in front of you before making decisions. With the Sun in your sign, you have the power to make positive changes! ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With a little effort and planning, you can achieve much of what you need to. Stay on track with what's most important and know that the end is in sight! ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July While…

LETTER of the week! Q How can I make my lips look fuller? Sarah Callow, 55, Edinburgh A As we age, our lips naturally thin slightly, but there are easy ways to fake fullness. First of all, load on that lip balm. Drenching dry lips will plump out any little lines, even if temporarily. The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm, £10.99, Boots, is incredible, fighting flakiness and visibly boosting lip volume. Use a fleshy pink lip liner to define your pout, slightly overlining the shape to help enhance it. E.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner in Truth or Bare, £2, elfcosmetics.co.uk, is the perfect shade. Generally speaking, matte lipsticks make thin lips look thinner, while satin lipsticks and glosses reflect the light to create the illusion of fuller lips. Maybelline Lifter…

Tresemmé Lamellar Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £7 each, Boots If your hair needs a bit of a boost in the gloss department, try these clever new formulas. They laminate each strand so that it can better reflect the light and shine bright. Avon 3-in-1 Serum Foundation, £12, avon.uk.com For a flawless base, choose foundations with skincare-inspired ingredients that will keep your complexion glowy. This one has vitamins C and E to nourish skin and gives a light veil of coverage. Garnier Color Sensation Color Retouch, £3.75, Boots If the thought of dyeing your own hair fills you with dread, try these nifty pouches. Simply massage the non-drip, shampoo-like formula into the roots and lengths to deliver 100% grey coverage. You can't go wrong. Faith in Nature Mint Body Wash, £5.99,…

BEHIND THE BIG CRIME TRUE-LIFE EDITOR'S WARNING When Annabel Rose Meenan, 21, was caught on surveillance cameras outside her home, she'd had enough. 'I can't take it any more,' she can be heard saying, wearily, in November 2021. She'd been in a long-term relationship with Leroy Brahm, then 31, since she'd been at school. But he'd become more and more controlling. 'Who am I even dating?' she can be heard saying, in disbelief. Ex-cheerleader and bass guitar player Annabel had always been popular and fun-loving. Friends at the orthopaedic clinic where she worked loved her infectious smile. But these days her older boyfriend was really starting to get her down. Earlier that year, Leroy had encouraged Annabel to start a sexual relationship with another man. The threesome had even been on…

Chat winners issue 5 (1 Feb 2024) £1,001 CASH J Sweet, Maidstone £500 CASH E Hemsley, Hailsham J Emson, Sleaford £250 CASH S Raggett, Newton Abbot C Jones, Tredegar £200 CASH F Tong, Dartford £100 CASH PA Rayor, Newark C Kingston, Reading S Graham, Bristol £50 CASH T Roe, Selby SE Johnson, Clacton-on-Sea A Thomas, Watchet M Hickling, Huddersfield L Mallett, Looe K Green, Bradford £40 CASH G Atkinson, Hull £30 CASH K Dawkins, Abertillery P Polakova, Hartlepool £25 CASH L Evans, Caine R Smits, Leeds £20 CASH A Bevan, Newport Anyone from your town in the list this week..? C Winfield, Sheffield C Herron, Pudsey J Cushnan, Worksop H Smithies, St Helens A Kinsey, Coventry G Gurr, Flint K Scott, Rugeley B Pittendrigh, Leigh A Whitle, Stoke-on-Trent C Brown,…

Dear Archie & Liliana, These past years have been tough on us, haven't they? So tough that the last time I wrote to you, I was worried it'd be my final words to you. It was your beautiful faces, then just 5 and 7, that flashed through my mind in April 2022 when the consultant gave me my diagnosis. 'Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm,' he told me. It was a rare leukaemia, but it was the life expectancy that floored me. Without treatment I had 12 months… At most. Sure, I'd noticed strange blotches on my skin, but it'd never crossed my mind that I could by dying. I knew that your grandma Pauline, then 61, and Aunty Sarah, then 32, would always be there for you. But I was…