Table of contents for 25-Apr-2019 in Chat

When Melanie joked about her hubby’s ‘man flu’ she couldn’t have guessed it would land him in intensive care, fighting for his life (p24). Jordanne knew her fella was a bad boy but always thought she’d change him. Now she’s got a terrifying warning to other women (p40). And Ellie settled down to a night in front of the telly, not knowing that it would change her life in the best possible way (p46). On top of that we’re packed with even more gripping real life stories, prize puzzles, fashion (p12), beauty, homes (p48), health advice and that’s just the start. Get stuck in!…

Kira Aldcroft, 22, Prestwich, Greater Manchester Watching a mum with a baby on her hip, a toddler in a buggy and a child playing ahead, my heart soared. To me, happiness was just that. Motherhood. It was what I’d wanted since I was just a kid, pushing a dolly along in a tiny pram. The oldest of three siblings, my maternal instincts clicked into place from a young age. But without a stable relationship, I knew I needed to wait until the time was right. Only, life doesn’t always work out how you plan it. In December 2017, when I was 21, I realised my period was late. I’d been seeing a guy on and off, but it was nothing serious and we’d always been careful. Buying a pregnancy test…

Smear fear Q I've always been too scared to have a cervical-smear test. Is there a DIY alternative? Helen, Harlow A The DIY test involves a soft-tipped swab which you pass into your vagina, seal and post to a lab that will test it for the HPV virus, which causes most cervical cancers. The test has proved reliable, is available privately and may be introduced by the NHS soon. The right meds? Q I had shingles on my back six months ago and it still hurts - my GP just wants to give me antidepressants! Marjorie, Walton-on-Thames APHN - postherpetic neuralgia - is nerve pain that can persist long after a bout of shingles. Treatment includes antidepressants and anti-epilepsy drugs, not because you're depressed or epileptic, but because of their…

Rima Theisen, 37, Margate Prepping for my final flight before maternity leave, I took one last look in the mirror. Make-up perfect, uniform pristine, my mane of hair up in a neat bun. A spritz of hairspray. Good to go! As cabin crew for over a decade, I was used to making an effort. It came with the job. And with a Lebanese father, I’d lucked out with his genes – I had thick, luscious dark locks. ‘You’re so lucky,’ friends said. My husband said I was beautiful regardless I didn’t take it for granted. Appreciated it, wore it with pride. One of my best features. I’d grown it long since I was 10. Before that, my mum Norma, now 67, would cut it into a bob. At 19, during…

2018: 31 years for killer dad Sami Salem was sentenced to a minimum of 31 years in prison on 20 April last year. He'd suffocated his wife Areena, 30, with his bare hands, before drowning his two young children Shadia, 7, and Rami, 4, in the bath on 30 May 2017. Afterwards, he'd doused the Liverpool house in petrol, left the gas on, and taken an overdose, but was found unconscious soon after. Salem was convicted of three counts of murder by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court. 1993: Crime that shook the nation On 22 April 1993, Stephen Lawrence, 18, was stabbed at a bus stop in a racially motivated attack. Stephen and his friend Duwayne Brooks were set upon by white youths in Eltham, south London.…

Celeb secrets Victoria Beckham Suffering from dry skin? Listen up! Victoria Beckham’s secret saviour for tackling chapped hands is Aviela Shea Hand Butter, £8, aviela.co.uk. Handbag-sized and packed full of intensely nourishing ingredients, it’s the perfect antidote to changing weather and moisture-zapping central heating. Kendall Jenner Proving that sometimes you can’t beat your basics, model Kendall Jenner has revealed her favourite lip balm – and it costs less than a tenner. Known for its moisture-boosting ingredients, Avène’s Cold Cream Lip Cream, £8, Boots, soothes and softens as well as protecting from future dryness. BARGAIN OF THE WEEK Working like a hoover for your complexion, charcoal sucks out impurities from your pores, leaving your skin clear, bright and less prone to spots. This zit-busting mask is a brilliant dupe of a…

Noted, thanks! We wanted to write thank-you notes to all who sent gifts for my daughter Jessica's first birthday. To keep track, we wrote on the back of each card what'd been sent. It'll also be lovely to look back on in years to come. Jane Lock, Preston Tea-sy does it!  I clean my tea-stained cups and mugs with vinegar diluted with water. Just leave it to soak overnight for sparkling cups the next morning - and no worries about any dangerous chemical residues when you have your next cuppa. Mitra Diana Zehtabi, Bristol Just in case An old spectacles case is the perfect size to use as a handy travelling sewing kit. Jane Whitaker, Birchington Light reeding  Don't throw out old diffuser reeds. When the scent has faded, use…

Curing his breathing Q My baby has laryngomalacia and makes a terrifying rasping noise in his throat when he breathes. Surely there's some treatment? Kelly, Yeovil A The larynx, or voice box, is made of tough cartilage. But laryngomalacia means the cartilage around your baby's larynx is floppy and collapses when he breathes in, producing that rasping sound. It rarely causes serious problems, and gets better after about 12 months of age. 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.…

Easter bunny loaf Serves: 10 Prep time: 50 min Cook time: 1hr 40 min For the chocolate loaf: • 125g butter, softened • 125g golden caster sugar • 2 eggs • 1tsp vanilla extract • 100g self-raising flour • 40g cocoa • 1-2tbsp milk For the vanilla loaf: • 175g butter, softened • 175g golden caster sugar • 3 eggs • 2tsp vanilla extract • 125g self-raising flour • 1-2tbsp milk • Icing sugar, to dust 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin with baking paper. 2 Cream together butter and sugar until light. Add eggs and vanilla, then fold through the flour and cocoa. Loosen with milk if needed. 3 Spoon into the tin and bake for 45-50 min until sponge is…

Buzzing off my thinning hair with the trimmers was liberating, a relief. ‘It really suits you,’ Nathanael said, supportive as ever. Friends were shocked, but positive. ‘Wow! You look brilliant! Should’ve done it sooner,’ my pal Lee said. But not everyone was convinced... Tennyson didn’t understand. ‘Mummy broken hair,’ he said. And my mum struggled, too. Always glam, styled hair was important to her. She couldn’t understand how I’d taken such a big step so calmly. ‘You’ve handled it well. I would’ve fallen to pieces!’ she said. ‘It’s just hair, Mum!’ I said. And I meant it. I didn’t know if it’d ever grow back. If it did, amazing. If not, it wasn’t the end of the world. I haven’t lost a limb, or got a life-threatening illness. I’ve saved…

1 Dr Organic Aloe Vera Micellar Cleansing Water, £5.99, Holland & Barrett My favourite cleanser has been given a spring refresh with cooling aloe vera. There’s no nicer way to take off my make-up. 2 Velvotan The Original Tanning Mitt in Arctic Leopard, £3.99, Boots I’m a self-confessed fake tan addict and a good tanning mitt is the only way to avoid streaky palms. Purse-friendly and machine washable, this will get plenty of use as the weather warms up. 3 Blistex Lip Brilliance in Rosy Glow, £2.61, Boots An oldie but a goodie, this keeps my lips silky smooth, while the shimmery slick of colour gives them a natural-looking rosy tint.…

Wendy Hodgson, 49, Gateshead The familiar theme tune of The X-Factor thundered in the living room. It was Saturday 10 November, 2018. I settled beside my daughter Melissa 26 on the sofa. During the break, while I was flipping through Facebook on my phone, I spotted an ad for Chat Mag Bingo. Already a member of a local bingo hall, I’d try to get out for an evening when I could. But, working as a nursing assistant, meant fitting in a visit to the halls around my shifts was tricky. I followed the link, and was able to sign up easily. Then, in the 75-ball Bingo Lounge room, I used my free tickets from the welcome offer. I then bought a couple of 10p tickets for my final game. Excitement…

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE 1 Did you know there were beaches in the North East? Escape the bustling city and get toe-deep in golden sands. CARDIFF 2 Head to South Wales for the nation’s capital, Cardiff. It’s home to a revitalised waterfront, national opera, orchestra and dance companies, as well as the Welsh National Assembly. BRISTOL 3 Just over the bridge from Wales is stunning Bristol, a cultural hub of the South West. Get snap-happy with its famous colourful hilltop houses and marvel at the sights from Clifton Suspension Bridge.…

Richard Preston, 49, Waterlooville, Hampshire Walking down the corridor at work, I winced as a sharp pain hit my left eye. Raising my hand to my head, I suddenly felt my legs buckle as I fell to the floor. Coming round seconds later, the concerned faces of colleagues hovered over me. Later that day, I was sitting with my partner Wendy, 42, and a consultant at Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Portsmouth. Doctors had found a mass behind my left eye, the size of a small peach. ‘What is it and can you get rid of it?’ I asked, my practical side kicking in. The consultant explained they’d need to operate to know what it was. I never expected to still be alive. Am grateful every day Days later, surgeons spent…

Jan Anderson, 32, Gateshead This time last year, my life was near perfect. In March 2018, I was on track to qualify as a lawyer, a long-held dream. I had a good job in Woking, Surrey, fantastic friends, a caring boyfriend. But with exams looming, I needed to relax. Arranged drinks with a friend, Jenni, on Friday 13 April. I polished off a couple of glasses of wine while I travelled by train to London. And, over two hours with my mate, I knocked back a few more glasses. ‘Go easy,’ Jenni advised me. ‘I’d better get home,’ I agreed. But the booze had got the better of me and I took the wrong train. I’m lost, I messaged my boyfriend, then 34. He texted the directions I needed. Eventually…

GUILTY In November, Diana Lovejoy, 45, and Weldon McDavid Jr, 50, were found guilty of conspiracy and attempted murder. McDavid was also found guilty of intentionally discharging a firearm with intent to inflict great bodily injury. Moments after the verdict, Lovejoy appeared to faint and was taken to hospital for treatment. Before sentencing, in January 2018, Lovejoy sobbed, professing her innocence. But Judge Sim Von Kalinowski didn’t hold back. Lovejoy was sentenced to 25 years to life and McDavid received 50 years to life for his part in the botched plot. After going through hell and back, perhaps finally Greg Mulvihill could put the past behind him.…

Sarah Purvis, 27, Fort William Normally, our house was full of laughter. My Chloe, 9, and Isla, 4, would chase around. But last November, the house was quiet. ‘Can we play now?’ Isla asked Chloe. But Chloe just shrugged her sister off. ‘Not today,’ she sighed, ‘I’m too tired.’ Strange. Never sitting down for long, Chloe had always been an active child. Not now... The following day after school, she broke down in tears. ‘What is it?’ I asked. ‘I’m so tired,’ she wailed. I tried to soothe her, but alarm bells were ringing. In summer 2017 Chloe had been diagnosed with the blood condition anaemia. Thankfully, after being prescribed iron tablets, she’d bounced back. But now all the same symptoms returned. Lack of energy, breathlessness, and… ‘She’s looking very…

Nipple leaks Q I'm getting a discharge from my left nipple - could it be cancer? Roberta, Morpeth A Cancer is an unlikely cause - though any discharge, particularly from just one nipple, should be checked. More likely, it's due to infection, blockage or a non-cancerous growth called an intraductal papilloma. See your doctor to be sure. Orgasm issue Q Since using a vibrator, my clitoris seems less sensitive and I can't easily orgasm during sex... Have I done some damage? Myra, Bangor A You shouldn't have damaged your clitoris. Could be you're reliant on your vibrator to reach orgasm, which many women find easier than with penetrative sex. Try experimenting during sex with your own or your partner's fingers.…

Taste the Difference Swiss Milk Chocolate Bunny 440g, £6, Sainsbury’s This impressive chocolate bunny is a real show stopper and had lovely thick ears to chomp into! Smooth and creamy with a melt-in-the-mouth finish. Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny 120g, £5, Waitrose  We loved the look of this adorable chocolate bunny and the detailing on its body – plus it comes with four caramel-filled treats for you to snack 7 on too! Moser Roth Milk Chocolate Bunny 100g, 99p, Aldi Looking for a budget gold bunny? This little guy is a great choice. The chocolate is soft and creamy, and great for gifting (or just enjoying yourself!).…

Aries 21 March - 20 April Someone from your past is back. Whether this is the answer to your dreams or a potentially difficult situation depends on what you’ve been doing since you last met. But the romance is still alive. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May Nostalgia is very nice, but it can hold you back when you should be moving forward. This week gives you a wake-up call, reminding you there are far more options open to you than you think. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June You say you’ll get round to it, and you intend to. But other things distract you, and you forget. Now you discover that the offer will close in a…

Q Do you get phantom feelings in your missing limbs or penis? A Sometimes it'll be an itch on my ankle, or feeling like I need to stretch out my calf. It's freaky. But I've never had a phantom penis moment! Q How does going to the loo work? AI have a hole below the flap of skin, and the catheter goes into this. That's linked directly to my bladder. I empty the bag when necessary. Frankly, I hate it...it's awkward. Q Do you miss your penis, and can you get another? A Of course I miss it, we were close! There's several options. Doctors have said that there's more skin  inside a man at the penis base. An op could pull that out and it'd be a decent size.…

Dove Regenerate Nourishment Shampoo, £6.65, Boots Rebalances hair that has become damaged through age, leaving it bouncy, full of body and much more healthy-looking. Soap & Glory Pink Big Weightless Shampoo, £7, Boots Gives serious shine and serious volume in one use. Smells amazing too. Trevor Sorbie Long & Strong Shampoo, £8, trevorsorbie.com Packed full of natural ingredients to help strengthen longer locks. Healthier hair, here we come!…

1 WENDY’S WINNING GAME… Bingo Lounge A Bingo Winner! This exciting game isn’t just about dabbing the numbers that are called, but recreating a game pattern to win! It has a buzzing community, with a chance to win huge cash prizes from a single 10p ticket. Sit back and join the fun in the 75-ball Bingo Lounge room. Wendy’s winning game. 2 100 Box Bonanza GAMES TO BE WON DAILY! Tick, tick, tick! That’s a perfect 10! Enjoy the chance to unlock a Box Bonanza game and A CASH PRIZE UP TO £10 EVERY DAY, FOR 10 DAYS! Simply opt in and for every day you play £5 or more on any games between Monday 15 April and Wednesday 24 April, you’ll enter the daily prize draw. Log in and…

Coronation Street Gemma’s pregnant! Ches is cheesed off when Gemma is too ill and hungover to go to Bertie’s christening, and when she reads some texts between him and Tyrone, she’s left wondering if their relationship is over. The next day, Gemma’s still feeling sick when she shares her worries with Rita, who suggests that she may be feeling ill because  she’s pregnant! It turns out that Rita’s bang on when Gemma takes a pregnancy test and she discovers it’s positive. How will Chesney react when she breaks the news? Emmerdale The villagers’ big bad night out!  There’s a big group outing this week when a bunch of villagers head to a Hotten nightclub to let their hair down. But by the end of their evening out they’ll be wishing…

Ellie Boakes, 24, Hildenborough, Kent Laying on the sofa, I grabbed the remote and flicked through TV channels, trying to find something to watch. It was April last year and I was at home with my parents David, 52, and Jackie, 55. ‘Ooh, DIY SOS ,’ I said as Nick Knowles and his crew appeared on my screen. I wasn’t a huge fan of home-improvement shows... but I loved how they helped folk in need, with life-changing house makeovers. And this episode had my attention more than most. Nick and his team were helping Scott, 21, who’d used a wheelchair since he was 12, after suffering three strokes in one day. ‘You’ve got something in common,’ Dad pointed out. Less than two years previously, in August 2016, I’d had brain…