Table of contents for 27-May-2021 in Chat

As a shy soul myself, I always admire anyone who puts themselves out there. Especially if they’re only six years old! It wasn’t long ago that Vitoria used to hide herself away. Now she’s a global superstar (p34). What an inspiration. Samantha’s story shows the darker side of online life (p30). If you’re using dating apps, or have friends that do, hers is a must-read. Plus we’ve got one-pot dinners, easy-to-wear fashion ideas, garden bargains and all the FAB prize puzzles you love. Stay safe and well this week!…

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS STYLE TIP A summer cover-up is a must-have for cooler evenings. Try a belted style if you want more definition. STATEMENT SHADES STYLE TIP Opt for sunglasses that pack a style punch by choosing oversized shapes and mood-boosting brights. BLOCK HEELS STYLE TIP Look for heels that are a good height for extra comfort, add a pop of colour to your outfit and won’t sink in the grass. £2 MIDI DRESSES STYLE TIP Dresses that fall just past the knee are so versatile and can be worn with wedges, trainers or sandals.…

In summer 2017, Sarra Gilbert, 28, was found guilty of the second-degree murder of her mother, after the jury rejected the defence’s claim of insanity. Sentencing her to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison, judge Donald Williams said the long sentence was motivated by ‘an overwhelming desire to protect other people by taking you off the streets for as long as I can’. Sarra is currently serving her sentence in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New York, and reportedly also receiving care for her mental health. Her sisters Sherre and Stevie, along with lawyer John Ray, continue to fight for their sister Shannan’s death to be reinvestigated. They remain convinced her death is connected to the 10 bodies discovered along the beach, and that Shannan was the victim…

Elizabeth Harris, 36 Flicking his thumbs on the control pad, my hubby Jason, then 35, focused on the TV screen. ‘Turn it down,’ I said, grabbing the remote. It was February 2020 and we were relaxing at home. Jason had always loved playing video games, while I preferred to read a book quietly. Proof opposites attract. We’d been dating since our teens, married in 2005 and had our son three years later. Despite our different interests, we were the perfect family. Then, one night in summer 2010, we invited a couple over for dinner. While we drank wine, played cards, the night took an unexpected turn. I drunkenly kissed the wife – and her husband. ‘It’s actually a turn-on,’ Jason admitted. One thing led to another, and the four of…

I’m dating a crybaby Q I’m seeing a girl and on our first date she broke down telling me about her dad who had died six months ago. I listened and wrapped my arms around her. But she cried again on our third date after losing her phone in a pub garden. Believe it or not, we’re a year in and she’s still crying about everything. She even cries if I disagree with her, so I’m agreeing all the time for a peaceful life. I want to end things, but I don’t want to be the reason she will cry forever. Please tell me – what do I do, Nelly? Bobby, 27 A Oh dear me! Some people are more emotional than others. It sounds like she isn’t a horrible…

Jessica Horton, 31, Godalming Sucking my tummy in, I sighed at my profile in the mirror. Why do I still look bloated? I thought, frustrated. I’d recently lost a stone but could hardly do up my jeans. I’d hide my rounded tum in floaty tops. I wasn’t pregnant, but I certainly looked it. It was October 2019 and for over a year, I’d been struggling with cramps and constipation. My GP had prescribed mild laxatives but they hadn’t worked. I’d tried ditching carbs, switching to a high-fibre diet of healthy veggies. Tried exercising more. ‘I don’t get it,’ I sighed to my boyfriend Rob, then 41. ‘Me neither, you’re so healthy,’ he replied. It was true. Despite being constipated, I never felt sluggish Had bags of energy. I’d go to…

THE BIG QUIZ The answers to all but one of these quiz questions can be found hidden in this wordsearch grid, reading forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. To help you, we’ll tell you that the answers are in alphabetical order in each section. However, one answer can’t be found in the grid. This is your prize answer. See page 56 for entry details. THE SILVER SCREEN – BOB 1 What type of animal was Bob, who became a companion to busker James Bowen, played by Luke Treadaway in the 2016 biographical film of James’ book? (3) 2 Which Bob was the subject of Martin Scorsese’s 2005 documentary film No Direction Home? (5) 3 The late Bob Hoskins received a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his…

The Organic Pharmacy Honey & Jasmine Mask £6.67 theorganicpharmacy.com Soothing, moisturising and calming – the perfect combo for tired skin that’s in need of some comfort. Slather all over the face and neck for 10 minutes to allow ingredients to penetrate the skin. Garnier SkinActive Anti-Fatigue Vitamin C Ampoule Sheet Mask, £3.99, Boots Loaded with skin brightening ingredients, vitamin C and pineapple extract, this sheet mask leaves you looking radiant in just a few minutes. Dr Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Lifting Mask, £3, kosamebeauty.com Plump up fine lines in a flash with a mask full of nourishing vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid. This affordable Korean brand know its skincare!…

My daughter Violet has recently welcomed a new guest into her tent. My sister’s dog Perdie loves nothing more than curling up in there with her to chill out. It’s so adorable to see. Meg Pattison, Shrewsbury Here’s one of Chat’s youngest fans! It’s my 6-year-old son Daniel, having a go at the Circle Time puzzle in the magazine while out enjoying the sunshine. Michelle Bird, Stourbridge I may have needed my coat that day, but during my recent visit to Morecambe I remembered the song Bring Me Sunshine as I stood with the late, great Eric. Roll on, summer! Adrian Grove, Lytham St Annes I love this picture of our bulldog Leo dressed as the Caped Crusader. While he may look the part, he’s certainly not the most intimidating…

Anya Taylor-Joy’s first acting audition was for what role? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the two-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Pardon or forgive (6) 12 Type of plastic (9) 13 Friendly nation (4) 14 Sound of amusement (8) 15 Entice (5) 16 Eight-legged creature (6) 17 Pudding (7) 18 Basically (11) 20 Own up (5) 22 Ruling over (9) 24 Yellow citrus fruit (5) 28 Very hot or stifling place (7) 29 Extremely big (7) 32 Orb, globe (6) 34 Break in a performance (8) 36 Music tape (8) 37 Taken illegally (6) 39 Commends highly (7) 40 Likes the look of (7) 45 City in the north of England (5) 47 Describing word (9) 48 Ballroom dance (5) 51 Sensible…

Should I get a check, too? Q My husband’s had an appointment for a routine aneurysm check. I’m the same age, don’t I get one, too?Denise, Hinckley A No, I’m afraid that you don’t get one as well! This is the routine NHS test for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) which is offered to all men aged 65 in England. AAA is a widening of part of the aorta – the main blood vessel running through your chest and abdomen – and can be dangerous or even fatal, as there’s a chance that it could burst. Spotting AAA means a surgeon can fix the problem before this happens. The test uses ultrasound, similar to that used for pregnant women to check their baby, and is quick and painless. But it isn’t…

TEEN MURDERED Kriss Donald, 15, was abducted, stabbed, doused in petrol and burnt to death by a group of men on 15 March 2004. His murder was apparently in revenge for an earlier incident at a Glasgow club, in which Kriss had no involvement. Faisal Mushtaq, Zeeshan Shahid, and Imran Shahid (pictured top to bottom, left), were found guilty of the racially motivated murder and sentenced to life. HOTEL HORROR At around 12.50pm on 26 June 2020, Badreddin Abadlla Adam, 28 (right), went on a frenzied stabbing attack at the Park Inn hotel. Six people, including a police officer, were seriously injured. The attacker was shot dead by the police. The hotel had been housing a number of asylum seekers and refugees during lockdown. It’s thought Adam was suffering mental health…

With a dab of eyeshadow, a slick of lip gloss and a smattering of powder, Vitoria Pipoquinha, 6, is ready for her close-up. ‘I need light over here, please,’ she calls, posing confidently for the camera. While many her age would be playing with dolls and blocks, this youngster from Brazil has become a social-media hit. Her TikTok videos and make-up tutorials have gone viral. Yet it wasn’t long ago that Vitoria tried to hide her face. She’d been born with a haemangioma – a benign tumour on her cheek. ‘It was a surprise to us all,’ says her mother Rose. ‘The paediatrician said that my daughter had a deformity on her face and they didn’t know what it was. Then they asked if I wanted to see her. ‘At…

Answering the call, I heard a voice say, ‘I’m calling from King’s College Hospital in London.’ A top surgeon from Australia had seen my file, wanted to meet me. ‘I think I can remove the tumour,’ he said, as I sat between Rob and Mum at the hospital. My jaw dropped. Is it possible? Could I live? Rob and Mum were both just as stunned, while I stared at the surgeon in disbelief. ‘I thought it was too risky?’ I asked. I’d spent weeks sobbing, mourning the life I’d never get to live. Now the surgeon explained that, while the tumour was close to critical arteries, there was a good chance he could still operate successfully. Then I could start radiotherapy infusions to slow and manage the spread of cancer.…

Bacon and pea risotto Fast, easy and fab. Just the job for a great-value weekday meal with the family. SERVES 6 PREP TIME 10 MINS COOK TIME 25 MINS ● 1tbsp olive oil ● 200g bacon lardons ● 1 onion, chopped ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 400g arborio risotto rice ● 1-1.2ltr vegetable stock ● 1tsp dried thyme ● 400g frozen peas ● 50g cheese, grated ● Knob of butter 1 Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the bacon for a few mins to lightly brown. Add the onions and cook for a few more mins to soften. 2 Stir in the garlic and risotto rice and cook for 1 min to toast the rice. Pour in half the stock and thyme, stirring occasionally, for 10…

21-27 May 2021 Aries 21 March-20 April You expect the same commitment to a project from others as you give. They don’t deliver because people don’t understand your work ethic. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May This is a great time to change direction or job. Now’s the time to make a change for the better and finally try the career you have always dreamed of. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Fun, play and laughter all make romance feel more light-hearted, but you might be looking for more passion within your relationship. If so, enrol in a tango class. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Past partners are asking for second chances while you’re…

Q I hate the feeling of sticky body creams. Are there any non-greasy body lotions that are quick and easy to apply? Sally Pen fold, 67, Sussex A Not everyone loves a thick body cream or sticky body oil. They can leave skin feeling tacky, greasy and uncomfortable – especially in warm weather. If you still want to moisturise your body, try using a lighter formula like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, £4.99, Boots. This gel-like hybrid is full of hydrating hyaluronic acid, soaks into the skin quickly and nourishes dry areas without leaving a sticky film. Alternatively, CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, £9.50, lookfantastic. com, is a fab, no-frills lotion that does exactly what it says on the tin. It won’t leave a sticky residue, but hydrates scaly limbs and…

TEXT Simply text CHATD followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 84988 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips • Don’t put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. • If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. • You can use capitals or small letters, but don’t use any commas, etc. • Leave out answers you don’t wish to enter. INTERNET Join our…

Kathy Ellis, 48, Windsor Sniffling as another tear fell, I looked up with bleary eyes to see my friend Stephen Bell. Taking my hand, he wiped a drop from my cheek. ‘It’ll be OK,’ he soothed. ‘I can’t believe she won’t be coming home,’ I sobbed in his arms. It was August 2018 and I’d just been told my mum Rita, then 67, was dying. She’d been suffering from severe diabetes complications. Stephen had driven me to hospital to be by her side to say my goodbyes. My rock. We’d met through mutual friends a while earlier, quickly bonded through our silly sense of humour. He’d become like a brother to me. After drying my eyes, Stephen drove me home. ‘I’ll check on you tomorrow,’ he promised. The next few…

Lauren Hooper, 34, Okehampton Sitting in the GP’s surgery, I stared at my doctor in shock. ‘You may not be able to conceive, or carry a baby,’ he explained. All my life I’d had heart problems, including a hole in the heart and an enlarged aorta. I’d been through countless surgeries as a child. But most of the time I was like any other kid. Had the same dreams. I’d loved playing dollies with my big sister Ebony. Just under five years apart, we’d push prams around the garden. Giggling while we dunked our ‘babies’ in the bath. Even back then, I’d wanted to be a mum. I’d met Michael in 2010. We discussed having children early on. But now, sitting in the doctor’s office in early 2014, before we…

Pearl Davison, 30, Leeds Glancing in the mirror before work, I was happy with the face looking back at me. I’d always been lucky. Even in my teens, I wasn’t plagued with pimples. I felt sorry for my pals as they tried to cover up blemishes with make-up. In 2012, I’d joined Leeds General Infirmary as a mental-health nurse. I loved my job but, as I went to work that day in February 2020, there was only one subject everyone was talking about. ‘Have you heard about coronavirus?’ By the following month, the hospital was admitting COVID-19 patients and my ward turned into a cohort unit, isolating patients with the infection. And this meant we had to keep ourselves safe. ‘You’ll all need to wear full PPE – personal protective…

OVER TO YOU Can you set a puzzle in this format? Send it, with a photo of yourself, to the address on p3. There’s £20 for every one we use! This week’s puzzle was compiled by Rachel Howlett, Biggleswade, Beds ACROSS 1 Large waste container 2 On one occasion 3 Physical or emotional sensation 4 Examination DOWN 1 Not hard 2 Leg joint 3 Decorates a cake 4 Animal skin WIN 5x £ 25 Puzzle 6 Your answer: CHAIN WORDS What is the name of Britney Spears’ most recent studio album, rereleased in 2020? Get from Start to Finish, making words by joining two boxes together as you go, eg: SCA + LE, LE +… you decide! When you reach Finish, two unused boxes join together to give you the prize…

FILL ME IN What animal is represented by the three ‘loggerheads’ on the county of Shropshire’s coat of arms and flag? Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing in your answers. Then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 14 Your answer: CIRCLE TIME Alaias and paipos were objects used in pre-modern Hawaii to perform what action? Fit the words into the grid, then read down the letters in the shaded circles. 3 letters CAT EAT HOB JAB JAM JOB SIT SOB TOO 4 letters AJAR ALSO ASKS BLOB SWAN TUNA 5 letters BLADE ROUGH THEFT TUBES 6 letters SPLASH TEAPOT THUMBS TWITCH 7 letters BOUQUET CHATEAU WIN £100 Puzzle 15 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56…

CODE CRACKER What does British comedian Gina Yashere have a phobia of seeing? To find out, solve the puzzle... Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out the two-word prize answer. We’ve given you five letters to start off. WIN £500 Puzzle 16 Your answer: WORD JUMBLE What seabird derives its name from the Old Norse for ‘foul gull’, a reference to its habit of vomiting its stomach oil in response to threats? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six types of seabird. Now fit them across the grid and you’ll spell out the answer to the question. 1 NIFF UP 2 LATE UK 3 GLUM ELIOT…

3 ways to… Keep track of old workplace pensions One in eight people don’t know how many old workplace pension pots they have, according to a poll by interactive investor (ii.co.uk). 1 Take action before you retire ‘The mystery of missing pensions is one you definitely want to solve as, over the years, investment growth – even for pots you haven’t been contributing to – can add up to thousands of pounds,’ says interactive investor’s Becky O’Connor. ‘That is money few of us can afford to ignore in retirement. So find out where your old pensions are: go through your old files or emails and if this fails, contact the HR departments of old employers.’ 2 If you hit a dead end ‘If you’re struggling, for example, if you can’t…

Eurovision Song Contest BBC1 It’s the Grand Final of the world’s biggest music competition, which this year is being broadcast live from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As usual, Graham Norton will provide commentary on the evening’s proceedings which will include James Newman representing the UK with his song Embers. Among the favourites to win are Malta’s Destiny with the seriously catchy Je Me Casse, France’s Barbara Pravi with her ballad Voilà, and Italy’s Måneskin with their hard-rock song Zitti E Buoni. The Beast Must Die BRITBOX After her son is killed, grieving mum Frances (Cush Jumbo) is determined to avenge his death in this five-part thriller set on the Isle of Wight. The only thing keeping her going is the desire to hunt down and kill the man who she…

Leigha Cummins, 22, Nottingham As my best friend raced upstairs, I followed, lugging a heavy suitcase. ‘Come on, slow coach!’ Sarah, then 14, shouted. At the top, a scrawny man with scruffy hair appeared from one of the bedrooms. Sarah’s stepdad John, then 27. ‘Thanks for letting me stay,’ I said. ‘You’re part of the family now,’ he winked. It was October 2012 and John and Sarah’s mum Heidi had let me move in after my dad was called away for work. I was sad, as it’d just been the two of us since I was 12. But at 14, there was nothing more exciting than going to live with my best mate. ‘We’re going to have so much fun,’ I raved to Sarah. I immediately felt at home. Heidi…

Pantene Pro-V Miracles Silky & Glowing Shampoo, £4.99, Superdrug This new shampoo, infused with biotin and silk protein, leaves hair glossy, soft and thoroughly cleansed. It’s my new favourite Pantene formula! H&M Beauty Do-It-All Stick in Golden Apricot, £8.99, hm.com Use on lips and cheeks for a perfect peachy glow this spring. The stick is so handy to throw into your handbag and blends easily with fingers. Ps… Beach Bum Body Buff Scrub, £3, Primark An easy way to get scrubbed up and exfoliated for summer. This body scrub smells lovely and does a top job of sloughing dead cells off for soft, supple skin. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil in Bronze, £6.29, lookfantastic.com A make-up must-have for creating a softly defined eye. It lasts all day without smudging and has…

Chat winners issue 08 (25 February) £1001 CASH M Hanscombe, Emsworth £1000 CASH S Gilbert, Sandy £500 CASH L Maclulskas, Sale; R Feeney, Honiton £250 CASH S Smith, Gillingham £150 CASH J Clarke, Daventry £100 CASH S Brown, London; E Hawkins, Sittingbourne; V Kewley, Isle of Man; L Webster, Falkirk; S Tobin, Ruislip £60 CASH M Mortimer, Ipswich £50 CASH K Symons, Aberdeen; P Coles, Ecclesfield; B Mulvey, Manchester £30 CASH S Craig, Fishguard; M Haydon, Swindon; M Madge, Uxbridge; G Ross, Dingwall; D Wilson, Swindon £25 CASH Puzzle 6 – N/V Chat PUZZLE 2 STEIN Chat PUZZLE 11 278 Chat PUZZLE 14 SKYROS • All contributions to Chat must be original, not copies or duplicated to other editors. Subject to these conditions, £25 will be paid for all rights in each…

To my old self, Lying awake into the early hours, you went over every detail of how you’d do it. How you’d take your own life. ‘You’re worthless and disgusting,’ you told yourself. It was 2014 and you’d lived in misery since six years earlier when a motorbike crash had changed your life forever. A dislocated shoulder and knock to the head were short-term injuries. But crushed in the wreckage, the agony in your legs was endless. Multiple drugs and spinal-block surgery to stop the pain seemed promising. But a bad reaction to the op in early 2010 resulted in an irreversible spinal- cord injury. Left you paralysed from the chest down. An army medic of four years, your service was now redundant. And your favourite things – mountain biking,…