Table of contents for 29-Mar-2018 in Pick Me Up!

I would like to nominate a very special woman for a well-deserved bunch of flowers. Susan Laing is an amazing lady who’s been like a mother to me, and like a grandmother to my children. I lost my own mum, but Susan is always there whenever we need her. She truly has a heart of gold and is always putting other people before her own needs. I first met Susan when I was working at a nightclub that her son ran. My mother passed away from a brain tumour when I was just 11 years old. But Susan’s always been there for me. She’s a shoulder to cry on and always listens. She was also lovely enough to take me on holiday when I was at a low point in…

It's important to teach children from a young age what’s right and wrong in all aspects of life. So many children experience sexual abuse. They simply don’t know that it’s wrong and shouldn't be happening. Levi Scott, Newport Be honest and upfront. Don’t be nervous or worried, as your child will pick up on that. They need to know that there are people out there who aren't very nice, and that it's Mum and Dad's job to keep them safe. Lauren Richardson, Gateshead Since my son started potty training, I’ve told him he’s the only one allowed to touch his privates and, if anyone ever did touch him there, he’s to tell me. While he’s young, I feel I can leave it at that – but, as he gets older,…

Episodes, BBC2 Matt LeBlanc, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan return for the final series of the comedy, which pokes fun at Hollywood. Matt, who plays a hapless version of himself, is presenting The Box , which is such a big hit, he’s now thought of as a game-show host. His years as an actor are long forgotten, while writers Sean and Beverly work for Sean’s awful ex-partner Tim…. ‘Hollywood is sometimes an awful place to make a living and the writers of Episodes are right on the money,’ says Matt. The Real Full Monty, ITV Both men and women celebs are stripping for charity this week in two different shows that see them learning what they must do to bare all. Ruth Madoc…

I watched in horror as paramedics started working on Lewi On Good Friday 2017, I was looking forward to a night out with friends. My boyfriend Lewis Knapp, 20, had plans to meet his mates, too, so we decided to meet up later. Me and Lewis, who everyone knew as ‘Lewi’, had been together since April 2015, after meeting at a party. We’d spent the whole night chatting and laughing. The spark between us was instant and we quickly became an item. A few months into our relationship, I’d moved in with Lewi and his mum Michelle, 46. Waking up to him every day was amazing. Lewi worked hard at Washington steelworks, while I was finishing an Admin apprenticeship. Every day, he’d take me to work in the morning, then…

The weather turned out to be a little unpredictable during our trip to Devon. Here’s me and my mum Joan braving the rain! Ruth Bateman, Pendeford I was so proud of my son Joe, 10, after he played me the James Bond theme on his guitar! Wayne Rolfe, Upminster For my next trick, I will make the Eiffel Tower appear out of the top of my hat… Ta-da! Emma Matthews, Stockport My daughter Emily may be a teenager, but she still couldn’t resist having a nose around this little acorn house! Paul Headen, Woking A girl can never have too many bags! Here’s my 2-year-old daughter Alice all ready for preschool. I’ve always told her it’s important to be prepared! Jo Cole, Newton Abbot Here’s how to enjoy a real…

Fertility trouble Q My partner and I have been trying for a baby for several months without any luck. We both have children with other people – so what can the problem be? Carrie, Dudley A It’s known, but not understood, why couples who have children with other people may not be able to conceive together. However, fertility for both sexes reduces with age. See a fertility specialist for advice. Cow’s milk Q My baby has started bottle-feeding and since has been really colicky, with loose stools. Could he be allergic to cow's milk? Bella, Southampton ACow’s-milk allergy is rare, but cow’s milk can be quite difficult to digest for the infant gut. Try a lactose-free or an easy-digest formula for a few weeks and see how it goes. If…

CUMBRIA Andrew Bell, 34, Workington Would-be child abductor Andrew Bell has been jailed for two years at Carlisle Crown Court after grabbing a young girl from her mother while under the influence of drugs. Bell was seen walking the street calling out for help, before approaching a parked car where a mum was putting her child into a seat. Bell opened the door and was attempting to get into the car, when the mother of a second child pulled him away. Bell struck the woman in the face before grabbing her child, 5, in a headlock and dragging her away by her coat and backpack. Witnesses tried to help the child but were kept at bay by Bell. He was arrested at the scene and later admitted common assault, child…

Knowing she was being cared for when she passed was a comfort Everyone loves their grandma, but the bond I had with my nan Violet was even closer than most. You see, my mum Jane and dad Bryn were so young when they had me that we all lived with Nan and my grandad Danny until we got a place of our own when I was 6. And after that, I spent every weekend and school holiday at Nan’s. I adored her. Like all teenagers, by the time I was 16, I spent more time with my friends than with my family. I stopped staying at Nan’s at weekends. But, even though I didn’t see her as much as I did when I was small, Nan still held a special…

Waving goodbye to my son Harry, then 5, I grinned. A single mum and working full-time in retail, it was rare I had the luxury of a night out. But when a friend said he was singing at an open-mic session in town, I thought, why not?! I’d recently moved in with my parents, temporarily, and Harry was off to his dad’s for the night. ‘Have fun!’ my mum said. It was a warm August evening in 2015, and I strolled into town. Not one to dress up, I’d chucked on a T-shirt and skinny jeans. The bar was quiet - typical for a Tuesday night. But it had a friendly atmosphere, so being alone didn’t bother me. As the musicians warmed up, I ordered a pint, sat down. For…

1 Ataxia affects speech. 2 There are only two forms of ataxia. 3 It’s caused by a viral infection. 4 There is no cure. 1 TRUE Ataxia can affect any part of the body, but most people struggle with balance, walking, speaking, swallowing and vision. 2 FALSE There are many types, but these normally fall within two categories: acquired and hereditary. 3 FALSE If not hereditary, then it could be caused by damage to the brain or nervous system. Or an underlying condition, head injury, lack of oxygen to the brain or excessive alcohol consumption. 4 TRUE There’s currently no cure, but treatment to control symptoms is available. This can include speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medication. What’s normal, WHAT’S NOT Flat feet When someone fails to…

Ranch Shooter Sauce Gun, £12, kaleidoscope.co.uk Add novelty to your BBQs and dinners with this saucy shooter. Fill it with your condiment of choice – it might turn messy, but it beats trying to squeeze the last bit out of the bottle! Verdict: BONKERS! But cheaper than paintball… Lash FX Magnetic Lashes in Rosie, £15.79, lash-fx.com Using tiny magnets, these clever false lashes lock into place on either side of your natural upper lashes for easy application without fiddly glue. Even better, they last for up to 20 wears. Verdict: GENIUS! Easy when you get the knack! Sound Asleep Pillow, £19.99, soundasleeppillow.co.uk Struggling to nod off? This pillow is filled with a concealed speaker you can connect to your music player to listen to…

My treat was seeing the family over the moon with their gifts As usual, the house was chaos in November 2017. Being a mum of two kids, Charlotte, 13, and Harry, 10, was madness. And I had just as many dogs. So you can imagine the days I have! I use any me-time I get to chill out and relax. One of the things I like to do is play Pick Me Up! Bingo. The dogs and I were snuggled up on the sofa. My partner Shaun, 58, was already in bed. He went to work really early, so he was like a zombie! We wouldn’t change this hectic life for the world, though. I’d been a member of Pick Me Up! Bingo for over three years and had some…

The NSPCC says you know your child better than anyone, so you'll know when they're ready and how much detail to go into. Some parents found certain moments helped them start the conversation... • Bathtime, applying cream or when getting your child dressed. • On car journeys. • Going swimming – saying what's covered by swimwear is private. • During a TV show that features a sensitive storyline. Talk PANTS! P rivates are private A lways remember y our body belongs t o you N o means no T alk about secr ets that upset y ou S peak up, as someone can help • Activity packs and resources can be f ound at nspcc.org.uk…

Cantu Wave Whip Curling Mousse, £6.99, Superdrug Cantu’s haircare range is great for curly hair, adding much-needed moisture. This mousse adds definition to curls and waves without the usual telltale stickiness or stiffness. Skin Republic Detox Charcoal + 10-Superfood Formula Face Mask Sheet, £4.99, feelunique.com Pollution can cause dull, prematurely-aged skin. This uses charcoal to extract dirt and grime, and antioxidants like green tea and acai berries to protect your skin. Formula 10.0.6 Be Berry Ready Daily Foaming Cleanser, £7.50, Asos Changing seasons can leave your skin dry and flaky. Give it daily TLC by using a moisturising wash like this one to gently cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Eylure Lash Pro Underlash, £4.95, feelunique.com Falsies aren’t just for your top lashes!…

ARIES 21 March–20 April You have the power to change more than you think. Taking a mental note of what has been promised and not delivered is important so that you are able to work out who is friend and who is foe this month, both personally and professionally. Call: 09058 170 710* TAURUS 21 April–21 May You think you can’t get what you want from who you need it from. That is not strictly true, though, Taurus. Plant the seeds of change in others’ heads slowly and subtly. Midweek you find out who was responsible for letting the cat out the bag recently. Call: 09058 170 711* GEMINI 22 May–21 June Emotions are working overtime and it’s going to be all too easy for you to think things that…

Sarah C won £1,454 on Emerald Playing my Emerald tickets, I only had a couple of games left, so was pleased when I won £4.50 on two lines. Then out came my numbers for the Full House. I won the Progressive Jackpot of £1,454.I couldn’t believe it! My mum won £8,888 a few weeks earlier on the Round the Clock game. I’ve done up my house, treated my family to days out and bought my children bunk beds. The rest will go on more for my home and on a deposit towards a holiday. JanetteL won£39,588 on Sapphire My amazing Progressive Jackpot win was in the Sapphire Room and I saw my balance change to over £39k ! The money will be used for a holiday and home improvements, including…