Table of contents for 12-Jul-2018 in Pick Me Up!

My husband Michael, 69, is the most selfless and kind man that I’ve ever known and so deserves a bunch of flowers. Known as Zak, we met and married 46 years ago. By our fourth wedding anniversary we had two lovely children - Genevieve and Simon. Our family was complete. Time passed and, in 1995, I became ill with the rare illness dermatomyositis. I had to retire early and Zak became my full-time carer. In 2016, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. During the 12 days that I was in hospital, Zak made the 20-mile journey to see me daily. Thankfully I was diagnosed early and after the op I didn’t need further treatment. Zak still brings me breakfast in bed every morning with a smile on his face. He…

Showing off my sparkling engagement ring to my friend Tina, she squealed. ‘It’s beautiful!’ she agreed with me. ‘You’re so lucky.’ She wasn’t wrong. I’d bagged myself a keeper in my fiance Alan Bowes , then 28. It was May 2016 and we’d been together a year, after meeting via a well-known dating app. At the time, I’d been a single mum to my son, then 17 months. Tired of immature blokes, I was at the stage where I was looking for something serious. Alan, with his charm and quick wit, had swept me off my feet. Things had moved quickly between us - and on our one-year anniversary, he’d pulled out all the stops. He’d treated me by paying for me to have my hair and nails done. Then,…

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It carried a high risk of stillbirth. I wasterrified I’dlose our baby In early 2013, I was enjoying my first pregnancy - until around 32 weeks, when I started to get a weird symptom. My hands and feet were uncomfortably warm, the palms of my hands itchy. I was soon itching all over. ‘This isn’t right,’ I groaned to my hubby Mark. My mum had had the same symptoms when pregnant, but I hadn’t thought about it. The itching grew more intense, and soon I had scratch marks all over. At night, I couldn’t sleep. Usually a bubbly person, I became withdrawn, impatient. I Googled my symptoms and found a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). It’s caused by large amounts of bile flowing into the blood. ‘The main…

USA: PROLIFIC SEXUAL PREDATOR Larry Nassar was a revered sports doctor, specialising in treating talented young gymnasts on the USA Olympic team and at Michigan State University. He had the trust of the girls he cared for, and their parents, and it was this trust he abused to carry out sick sexual fantasies. Over 260 women and girls have come forward to speak of the abuse they suffered, in some cases as far back as the 1990s. Sent to him for treatment, they’d usually be told they needed a massage. At times, he directly offered his special ‘massage’ to others. Saying it was therapy, he’d touch them invasively in the pelvic area. Many of his traumatised victims took years to realise they’d been abused. Olympic gold-winning gymnast Aly Raisman is…

Where did all of my husband’s socks go? It seems our Sadie steals them straight from the laundry basket… Sarah Craggs, Tewkesbury Here’s kitty in my daughter’s book bag – is she reading Harry Pawtter, or perhaps Romeow and Juliet? Karina Svenson, Newquay Azza the budgie loves a bit of bubblegum. Here he is, trying to help himself. Rachel O’Connor, West Bromwich Eval’s notorious for hiding. Or maybe he just disappears..? Well, he is a chameleon! Wayne Stickley, via e-mail This little beauty’s my pet tarantula – she’s a big fan of the World Wide Web. Stephanie Cochrane, via e-mail My Isabella loves the sunny weather. Bit warm for a fur coat, though! Jess Viljakainen, Kendal…

Our Wonderland slot game is a fun-filled adventure of enchanting characters and lots of great surprises! You have the chance to win cash prizes on spins, and in any of the four Wonderland bonus games. You can also win a large progressive jackpot just like Rebecca did. Whether you find yourself playing croquet with the Queen of Hearts or sitting down to tea with the Mad Hatter, there are plenty of chances to win cash prizes with this favourite slot game at Pick Me Up! Bingo.…

The shampoo: L’Oréal Elvive Fibrology Air Shampoo, £2.99 Clever L’Oréal Laboratories have creat Fibrology Air, which lifts roots with weightless volume – meaning even the finest of hair will benefit. It promises up to 48 hours of anti-flat tresses. The tools: Boots Vented Self Stick Rollers Medium, £4 (for six) These no-faff rollers – no need for clips as they’re self-grip – will create mega volume when used while blow-drying. Plus, the vented design means that blow-drying time is speedy, too. The spray: Schwarzkopf got2b Volumaniac Root Lifting Spray, £4.19 If bigger is better for you, then this will give you mega height. It does feel a little tacky, but if you’re after volume that lasts a whole night, then this is for you. The brush: Lee Stafford Coco Loco…

Pickle burgers  Serves 10 Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min FOR THE RELISH: ◻ 150g caster sugar ◻ 200ml white wine vinegar ◻ 5 Mrs Elswood Hot Dill Pickled Cucumbers, chopped, 100ml juice reserved ◻ 1 red onion, chopped ◻ 1 red pepper, chopped ◻ 1 green pepper, chopped FOR THE DILL MAYO: ◻ Small handful of dill, finely chopped ◻ 7tbsp mayonnaise ◻ 5 Hot Dill Pickled Cucumbers, finely chopped ◻ ¼ onion, finely chopped FOR THE BURGERS: ◻ 1.4kg beef mince ◻ Vegetable oil, for coating ◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper ◻ American cheese slices ◻ 10 burger buns ◻ Lettuce ◻ Hot Dill Pickled Cucumbers, sliced (optional) 1 To make the relish, heat the sugar, vinegar and pickle juice in a pan and reduce by…

‘A register is an excellent idea. Abusers will then know that they can be named and shamed. Most people don’t even realise what they’re letting themselves in for when meeting a new partner. Knowing the facts beforehand can prevent hurt and maybe even save a life in the long run…' Mandy Cooper, 43, Reading ‘I agree with a register as abusers can currently move to an area where they’re not known and leave crimes behind. My one concern is that a register offers no protection against abusers who don’t, as yet, have convictions.’ Vivien McLaren, 53, Alsager ‘It’s a good idea. People need protection as abuse can affect their mental status and ability to move forward. But some people will feel we’re becoming too much of a nanny state. If…

Speck Presido Sport iPhone X Case, £24.95, speckproducts.co.uk Not only will this case protect your phone from a 10ft fall, it has a no-slip grip even when your hands are sweaty and it protects against bacteria. If that wasn’t enough – it has a lifetime warranty, too. Verdict: GENIUS! We’re straight on this case! Brick Yourself Personalised Keyring, £19.99, firebox.com If you’ve dreamt of being immortalised in yellow plastic – this is for you. Upload a photo, tell them a little bit about yourself and the clever people at Firebox will send you your very own Lego replica to keep on your keys. Verdict: BONKERS! Would make a really fun present. Nokia Sleep, £99.95 Place this pad under your mattress, sync it with the app and…

Fussy eater Q My daughter used to eat a huge range of tastes and textures when she was a baby but, over the last couple of years, she’s become an increasingly fussy eater. What can I do? Liz, Swansea A Most kids go through a fussy phase and her early experience is good, so she’ll probably grow out of it. Avoid making food an issue, don’t indulge her with ‘naughty’ or ‘treat’ foods, keep things healthy, persevere, and involve her in cooking. Family dementia Q There’s a strong history of dementia in my family – and both of my parents died quite young with Alzheimer’s. Can I take anything to reduce my risk? Sally, Winchester A There’s evidence that folate and vitamin B12 supplements can slow cognitive decline. Ask your…

Do I have commitment issues? Deanne, 57 Cheshire I’m single and in my late 50s and everyone keeps saying I have commitment issues. I’ve had two proposals and was engaged once earlier in life, but now I’m just loving life as a single woman. Younger men find me attractive and I love dating. Obviously, though, some people are jealous. They say that I’m a ‘cougar’, which I think is just disgusting. Surely I can date and have sex with whoever I want, regardless of my age? It’s not as if I’m lying about how old I am. However, people tell me I’ll be lonely forever if I don’t sort out my commitment issues now. Should I listen to them and ditch dating young men? I’m only having some fun! YES…

I begged him for a cold bath. My skin felt like it was on fire And finally I realised... I wasn’t broken. I could leave. I had to Out with mates, I was trying to join in the fun, but my phone kept on pinging. ‘It’s Andrew,’ I sighed. ‘He’s asking what I’m up to.’ Again. ‘That’s so sweet!’ my friend replied. But was it? I used to think the same. But recently, my boyfriend Andrew’s constant checking up on me felt a bit over the top. When we’d first met, I’d been having a rough time. ‘Come under my wing,’ he said. ‘I’ll look after you.’ I felt so lucky that this sexy, 6ft bloke with a bodybuilder’s physique wanted me. \ Wanted to look after me. Within a…

I’ve always loved a bit of bingo and used to go to the bingo halls with my friends. But over the years, life got busy and we just didn’t have the time to go any more. That’s when I joined Pick Me Up! Bingo in 2013. I’d seen a story in the magazine about someone who’d hit the jackpot. ‘If I can win, you can too,’ she’d said. And she had a point. ‘I’ll give it a go,’ I decided, signing up. My husband Raymond, 66, enjoyed the odd bingo game too, so he signed up as well. We had so much fun, often playing side by side. Fun and sociable, I even made a few friends in the chat rooms. ‘They’re a right laugh,’ I giggled to Raymond. Over…

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Four in 10 survivors of domestic abuse are believed to be repeat victims When you meet a new man - it’s an exciting time... And, in the honeymoon period, you learn lots about each other. But what if the bloke who’s swept you off your feet isn’t honest about his past? What if he’s hiding something that could put you in danger? It’s something that Kirby Weegram knows all too well... Last June, when Kirby, 22, met Jonathan Graham, 32, she couldn’t believe her luck. Showering her with affection, he was a charmer. But when they started dating, Kirby heard rumours that he’d been violent towards women in the past. He convinced her it was all untrue but, weeks later, the arguments started and his Jekyll and Hyde personality emerged.…

It’s not the kind of word little boys use. But he’d used it. Whores. Straight away, I knew something was very wrong. Then came three more words I’ll never forget. She killed me . It was September 2015 and I was leading a paranormal investigation at 15th-century farm near Southampton. Over the years, I’d done more such investigations than I’d had hot dinners. I’ve even run my own group, Paranation, for the last 10 years. Our aim is to detect and record paranormal activity using high-tech, specialist equipment. But sometimes when you’re looking for ghosts, the old-fashioned techniques are the best. So that night, we’d decided to set up a Ouija board in one of the farmhouse bedrooms. ‘If there are any spirits here, please speak to us,’ I called…

Send us your stories and photos, including all names and ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mail pickmeup@ti-media.com CALL 020 3148 6460 WRITE TO Pick Me Up!, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com TI Media Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission sent to Pick Me Up! magazine, in any format or medium. Unfortunately, we can’t return photos without a stamped sae. Letters/photos must not be sent to any other publication.…

1 This is when the sciatic nerve, runningfrom hips to feet, is irritated. True False 2 It usually gets better in fourtosix weeks. True False 3 To treat sciatica, you should sit down for long periods. True False 4 You shouldn’t use a hot-water bottle as a heat pack to ease it. True False 1 TRUE It can cause pain, tingling and weakness in yourbottom, hips, legs, feet and back. 2 TRUE It usually takes up to six weeks to get better, but pain can last longer and getworsethrough sneezing and coughing. 3 FALSE Moving may hurt, but it can help you get better faster – as can regular back stretches and gentle heat packs. 4 TRUE Sciatica may make your skin in the affected area numb, so a hot-water…

Despite poverty and poor healthcare, the people are so happy Finishing my studies in Edinburgh, I had itchy feet. I wanted to travel the world... First travelling round Zimbabwe, in October 2005, I then found myself in Australia and then India for eight months. But I was so inspired by Zimbabwe, I decided to return. Despite unemployment at 90 per cent, poverty and poor healthcare, the people were so happy. And so grateful for what they had. Captivated by its close community, I was hooked. As I left four months later, I was already planning my next trip. I’d made some lovely friends and I desperately wanted to help. Returning in 2007, I started helping street children and working on other projects led by the church. It was then that…

My hunky hubby Ilyas, 27, looking shipshape in his yellow shorts. Kayleigh Erturk, Sunderland My hubby Leon looking like a real stud on our honeymoon. Aren’t I a lucky lady! Lianne Sykes, via e-mail Damian, 38, couldn’t get enough of the sun on our holiday in Spain. Vanda Whitefoot, Brotton I always say my hubby Nick, 39, is an ABS-olute stunner. You wouldn’t think he’s nearly 40. Emma McMahon, Dinnington Cor, what a lovely view... My gorgeous fiancé Gareth, 36, that is. Karen Hobson, Gleadless On holiday in Zante, my Adam couldn’t help but strike a pose. It looked like he was the king of the castle! Alexandra Low, West Midlands Sunshine, a glass of vino and my Richard, 35... Does life get any better than this? Lisa Adams, Dudley…

My husband Matthew, 43, had a terrible choice in films. ‘Do we have to watch this?’ I groaned one night this March. It was a blokey action film. After grumbling, I realised I wasn’t getting my way. ‘I’ll play Bingo instead,’ I said, sticking my tongue out at him. Matthew was engrossed in the telly as I opened my laptop. I’d been a member of Pick Me Up! Bingo for about six years. I loved it! Everyone was so kind in the chatrooms. My favourite game was the Wonderland slot game. There are great characters - the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit. So, after a few spins of the Wonderland reels, I was surprised to see three doors pop up. I was startled. This was a bonus…

Lying there, with his coat as a blanket, my husband David, then 35, was trying to sleep on the cold hospital floor. I couldn’t see him. I was a few feet above him in a hospital bed. But I could hear him breathing - and, now and then, I’d hear him shift, feel his hand squeeze mine reassuringly. It was January 2017 - and just a few days earlier, I’d been kissing David off to work. I was 23 weeks pregnant with our first child, and so excited. You see, it had taken us three and half years to get pregnant. Things hadn’t gone smoothly during my pregnancy. I’d suffered from anaemia and thyroid problems. In and out of hospital all the time, it had been a difficult pregnancy. Scans…

Ducking into the corner shop on the way home from school, I grabbed a bag of salt and vinegar crisps. Minutes later, I’d chomped on the last one with a rush of satisfaction. At 15, food was my comfort, the one thing I could control. I’d always been chubby, but after my mum Shelley had passed away from breast cancer in November 2004, my junk food obsession had sky-rocketed. At school, I gorged on burgers and hot dogs with a slice of cheesy pizza on the side. On my way home, I snacked on chocolate, crisps and sausage rolls. Even with tea in my sights, I couldn’t help myself. It felt as if I was trying to fill the void left by Mum with food. If I had a bad…

● Excessive jealousy and possessiveness. ● Sudden changes of mood – like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. ● Your partner stops you from seeing your family and friends. ● They criticise you and put you down in public. ● Checking up on you via your e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, or by looking at your text messages. ● Being pressured into sex. ● Blaming you for their behaviour. Eg, they say you were 'asking for it’ or deserved the abuse. If you're concerned for your own safety, or that of someone else, then contact the National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 200 0247 or visit nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk ● For more information on a partner's prior convictions, call the police on 101 or visit your nearest station. In an emergency, dial 999.…

ARIES 21 March–20 April Reach for the stars and follow them. It’ll be obvious what you have to do to move on. It won’t be easy, but the Sun tells me you’ll come out of current dramas smiling! Geminis link to a social invitation which you should accept – even if it means upsetting a family member! Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May Can you see just how much you’ve grown as a person? I do, and I don’t think you realise how far you’ve come. If you have to spend cash on the home, then know it’s a good thing. You’re planning long-term and it’ll make for a more-contented you than we’ve seen all year. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Remember without drama, your…