Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Chat Specials

May Special Welcome to the May issue of Chat Monthly! Get ready to get stuck into fun puzzles, stylish spring fashion, meat-free meal inspo, and nifty home and beauty buys. Plus pages of shocking real-life stories. Nicola tells us how her autistic son’s life was transformed by his love of animals (p36). Brave Ellie shares her cancer battle and how it will impact her life in a surprising way (p10). And you’ll find the chilling story of a twisted mother-and-daughter duo who killed to steal a baby (p58), plus loads more to read. Have a great month.…

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Our Antonella tells it how it is My brother married a monster! Q I’ve always dreamt of having a sister, but I ended up with four brothers instead. Three of them are gay, so I have brothers-in-law, who I adore. But my one brother who isn’t gay has chosen to marry an absolute monster. I can’t stand her. She’s awful in every way, and I’m heartbroken. It feels like my chance of ever having the sister I longed for is gone. Sadie, 36 A What a shame that you feel so strongly about this woman. What I would say is that you’re not the one who has to be married to her! It’s your brother’s choice who he spends his life with. He’s not responsible for bringing you a sister, hun.…

Sian Golding, 33, Chesterfield Rubbing my tummy, I flinched. It was October 2023 and I was 35 weeks pregnant with my second child. But something didn’t feel right. My baby’s movements seemed reduced. ‘I’m going for a check-up,’ I told my husband Jake, then 32. At Chesterfield Royal Hospital, the midwife ran the scanner over my bump and frowned. ‘Your baby’s measuring small,’ she said. ‘We’ll run some tests.’ While I was strapped to a monitor, the baby’s heart rate dropped. From that moment, things moved quickly. ‘You need an emergency C-section,’ the consultant told me. Jake arrived as I was given a general anaesthetic, rushed into surgery. Waking up an hour later, I peered around. ‘Where’s our baby?’ I panicked. ‘She’s having tests,’ Jake said, squeezing my hand. While…

When Jade was at school she loved drawing different characters, with hair, fur and human characteristics. In 2020, when Jade graduated, she bought a fur suit – a big furry wolf. She named her Velvet. ‘I was shy in high school, growing up, and these characters gave me a different personality and it makes me put myself out there more,’ she says. Wearing her furry suit made Jade feel really confident and sexy. When she discovered there was a community of people called ‘furries’, who like to dress up as animals with human characteristics, she knew she’d found her niche. Soon after, Jade met Dimetrius at a furry party which was held by his flatmate. And although he was no stranger to the furry fetish, he wasn’t a fan of…

Top tip Use sweet chilli sauce if you don’t like it too spicy, and swap the veggies for whatever you have handy. Korean rice bowl A great way to use up sad-looking veggies from the back of the fridge. SERVES 2 PREP 15 MINS COOK 20 MINS ● 100g basmati rice● 3tbsp vegetable oil● 2 garlic cloves, crushed● 150g mixed mushrooms, roughly chopped● 1 carrot, thinly sliced● 100g baby spinach leaves● ½tbsp soy sauce● 2 large eggs● 60g bean sprouts, blanched● 2 spring onions, thinly sliced● Small bunch coriander leaves, chopped● Chilli sauce, to serve (optional) 1 Cook the rice according to the pack instructions. Meanwhile, heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 secs, then add the…

Me and my bestie were fed up with unfair funfairs Jo Frost, 38, Manchester Seagulls squawked and the smell of candyfloss wafted. It was August 2004 and, aged 18, I was queuing at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a turn on their scariest rollercoaster, ‘The Big One’. I’d always been a bit of a thrill seeker. The safety bar didn’t click over my belly and boobs As a kid, I spent birthdays and school holidays exploring theme parks. My parents even drew a height chart on our garage wall so we knew when I was tall enough to go on the wildest rides. But as I’d grown up, I’d also grown out. Now size 20, I weighed 18st. As I climbed into the seat of ‘The Big One’, pulling the safety…

Suzie Ratcliffe, 50 Photos lined my parents’ mantelpiece. From a silver frame, a little girl stared back at me. Blue eyes, freckles across her nose and cheeks. Just like me. ‘Who’s that?’ I asked my mum Kathleen, then 36. It was 1977, I was just 3. The girl in the picture looked older than me, maybe 7 or 8. She had a brown bob with a jagged fringe. Just like Mum insisted on cutting mine. ‘That’s your big sister Joanne,’ Mum said with a smile. I looked at my dad Les, then 38, confused. I had an older brother David, then 17. But a sister? ‘Can she come and play?’ I asked excitedly. Mum’s smile faded. ‘No, darling,’ she said. ‘A bad man took her away.’ Still so young, I…

90s Tracy Shaw Tracy rose to fame as Maxine in Corrie. Maxine was murdered in 2003, but Tracy went on to appear in TV dramas and on stage. The star, now 51, also attempted a pop career. Her marriage to Robert Ashworth didn’t last, but she went on to have two kids with Ashley Poundall. 90s Adam Rickitt He found a place in our hearts as Coronation Street’s Nick Tilsley in 1997, but left for a (mostly unsuccessful) music career. He returned to Corrie in 2002, but is most recently known as Kyle in Hollyoaks, with his last appearance in 2020. These days he runs a Cheshire bar along with his wife, Good Morning Britain correspondent Katy Rickitt. Kian Egan A year after Westlife disbanded in 2012, Irish hunk Kian…

On a glamping weekend with my friend Karen, we had to bring our favourite magazine with us.  Clare Potts, Kettering Meet Arthur and Tommy, the two gorgeous bunnies I’ve just adopted. Don’t they look cheeky?  Irene Cowan, Hull Found this little guy running around the car park at work. He’d been abandoned by his mum. Here he is having a little sleep before the rescue people came.  Hannah Brown, Helston I enjoyed dressing up for a 1980s-themed night for my friend’s 50th birthday and dancing to 80s music until the early hours. Thank goodness I was wearing trainers!  Joanne Campbell, Carrickfergus Here’s my daughter Lacey, 12, touching the top of the lighthouse at Spurn Point. Isn’t she tall!  Jennifer Prowse, Hull We all had a blast at my pal Mia’s hen do…

Ellie Waters-Barnes, 23, Stoke-on-Trent The sound of giggling echoed through the classroom as a group of girls gathered around each other. ‘Did you kiss him?’ I heard one ask. Her friend’s cheeks blushed red. At 14, boys were the main topic of conversation at school. In the playground, rumours flew about on the subject of who fancied who. And at home, me and my twin sister Olivia flicked through teen magazines, sniggering when we found questions about sex. But I was different, didn’t want a boyfriend. I was more interested in sports. In July 2015, I was taking part in a 5km run for charity with Olivia and my mum Sam, then 41. Usually, I was way out in front, but this time, I struggled to keep up. ‘I’m taking…

Sherlyn Ramsay, 58, east London My rumbling tummy broke the sad silence in the room. M‘I’ll get us some food,’ I whispered. It was February 1995 and, aged 56, my mum Doreen had been battling breast cancer for four years. It wasn’t looking good. Hospice nurses had called early that morning to say she didn’t have long left. Me, my five younger siblings and our dad had rallied round. Wanted to be with her in her final moments. We spent hours reminiscing, talking about happy memories. Now it was 4pm and none of us had eaten all day. There’d been tears and laughter, but it was time for practicalities. I nipped out, returned with takeaway chicken and chips for everyone. ‘I’m sorry, she’s gone,’ my dad said. Devastated, I slumped…

Hubby has a rude rash Q My husband plays football and gets really sweaty. Now he has a red rash around his groin and is refusing to go to the doctor. Jenny, Luton A He might have jock itch, a common fungal infection. It often appears as a ring-shaped rash on the groin and inner thighs. While discussing it with a doctor might feel awkward, addressing it promptly is crucial to stop it worsening. In the meantime, make sure he keeps the area clean and dry. He should shower regularly, especially after workouts, and wear loose clothing made of breathable cotton to reduce moisture and friction. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders can help, but if it persists, seek medical advice, as a doctor can offer prescription-strength treatments. Hand hell Q…

Next Spring refresh Welcome the season with these soft shades of pink and yellow inspired by blooming flowers Matalan Country kitchen A rustic take on sunny yellows and sage greens, add lots of florals for a fun look…

On 4 August 2020, the city of Aalst in Belgium was left stunned. At 8.30am that morning, Jurgen Demesmaeker, then 49, a local estate agent, went to a police station. There, he confessed to officers that he’d killed his girlfriend Ilse by hitting her over the head with a hammer. Jurgen had started dating Ilse Uyttersprot, 53, earlier that year. The mum of two was a respected councillor in Aalst and had been the city’s mayor between 2007 and 2012. When police arrived at Jurgen’s place, they found her lifeless body. She’d been fast asleep when her boyfriend launched his brutal attack. A post-mortem revealed that Ilse’s death was caused by severe head trauma. He’d landed at least half a dozen blows to her head with a hammer. No one…

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (£18.99, HB, HarperCollins) It’s been decades since the home invasion that upturned Edward and Isabel’s lives, but their attacker is finally standing trial. The trouble is, Isabel has no clue what really happened to Edward that night – as he just won’t open up to her. Told from both sides, their life together is described from the moment they met as awkward teenagers, to the early days of their marriage and the aftermath of the horrific event. Chilling and at times difficult, this book explores the connection between an ordinary couple when the extraordinary happens to them. The Eights by Joanna Miller (£16.99, HB, Penguin) It’s 1920, and Dora, Beatrice, Marianne and Otto are among the first women to be formally accepted into…

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EDITOR’S WARNING Marlen Ochoa-Lopez beamed at the camera as her little boy Joshua, then 3, rolled one of his toy cars gently across his mum’s pregnant tummy. Marlen adored her son. Although only 19, she and her husband Yovanny Lopez were so happy to be expanding their family. Pregnancy suited Marlen. She was positively glowing. But as excited as she was, she knew all too well that children are expensive. Being a savvy mum, she posted on a Facebook group for local Chicago mums. Asked if anyone had any baby clothes going free. Marlen, then eight months pregnant, was delighted when Clarisa Figueroa, then 46, responded. She said her daughter Desiree, 24, had some baby things to give away. On 1 April 2019, Marlen went to Clarisa’s house to pick…

Helen Lee, 46, Northwich, Cheshire By the time the movie credits rolled, me and my boyfriend Warren, then 39, were deep in discussion. ‘Krull has the best soundtrack,’ I sighed. ‘What about the Legend theme tune?’ he frowned. It was October 2015, and our love of classic movies was how we’d first bonded. Messaging each other on Geek2Geek, a dating site. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The NeverEnding Story… films were our love language. We had other things in common too, though – we’d both lost our mums. Warren’s mum Patricia in 2011 and my mum Pauline in March 2012. The perfect pair – like Superman and Lois Lane, King Arthur and Guinevere… On Warren’s 40th, in January 2016, we were at a restaurant with friends and family when he proposed.…

Jessica James, 38, Neath Port Talbot Putting down the popcorn, I asked my daughter Shanice to pass the remote control. ‘Uncle Craig will be here soon,’ I told the kids. ‘Yay,’ Shanice beamed. It was November 2019 and my family and I were having a telly night. Shanice, then 14, idolised her uncle Craig, then 28. Sure enough, when my brother arrived, he and Shanice were soon messing about, laughing together. ‘My number-one niece,’ he said affectionately. Craig and I shared the same dad, but I didn’t live with him when we were growing up. It was only when I had Shanice, aged 19, that we got close. Her dad Denzil, then 43, worked away a lot, so Craig and my mum Karon, 54, helped out loads. With Shanice and…

Denise Leigh, 53, Audley, Staffordshire Vibrations ran through my body, the ground trembling as a train thundered into the station. It pulled to a stop and I carefully edged my way towards the open doors. ‘Please mind the gap,’ a robotic voice said. Feeling my way to a priority seat, I sat down and visualised a map of the London Underground. But as I listened out for the next stop, a man leant in. ‘Excuse me, do you have the time?’ he asked. Was this a cruel joke? Was he hitting on me? Irritated, I replied, making my annoyance clear. Only later, when we both stood up to leave the train, did I make out his cane. He was blind too, and I felt terrible for being rude. It was…

When the emergency services operator answered the call, a frantic voice yelled that he needed paramedics. ‘I’m doing CPR,’ shouted Eric ‘Scott’ Sills. ‘I don’t have a pulse and she’s cold.’ It was the early morning of 13 November 2016. Scott told the emergency services he’d found his wife slumped at the foot of the staircase at their home in San Clemente, California. Paramedics arrived in minutes. But Susann Sills, 45, was already dead. A tragic accidental fall. It appeared Susann’s shoe had come off on the stairs. And Scott said she must have tripped on it in the middle of the night. A pan was next to her, which the family explained she’d often carry if she was feeling sick. An empty bottle of pain medication, which Susann used…

Danielle Crook, 30, Southampton Swaddling my newborn in a soft, white blanket, I picked him up and cuddled him close. Surrounded by cards, teddies, nappies and wipes, we were living blissfully in our baby bubble. ‘Our little family,’ I said to my husband Joe, then 26. We’d married a year earlier, in April 2017, and I’d quickly fallen pregnant. Our baby boy Lennox arrived safely at the New Forest Birth Centre, near Southampton, on 30 June 2018. A healthy 7lb 4oz. Now safely back home, I already loved being a mum. ‘He’s perfect,’ I said, cooing over his little button nose and big blue eyes. But after three days, he became floppy and listless. Changing his nappy, I noticed spots of blood. ‘We need to take him to A&E,’ I…

1 Acknowledge feelings The first step to coping with emotional difficulties is to acknowledge them, rather than burying your head in the sand. ‘By paying attention to shifts in our mood – whether it’s stress, anxiety, joy or excitement – we become more aware of the range of emotions we normally feel,’ explains anxiety support specialist Cai Graham*. This is key to helping us be aware of, control and express our emotions. 2 Embrace mindfulness It’s never too late to give this a go. Studies show mindfulness, which can be incorporated into everyday activities, can be effective at treating anxiety and other overpowering emotions. To stay grounded, enhance self-awareness and build emotional resilience, Cai recommends meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and spending time in nature. 3 Start a journal…

Nicola Rodriguez, 48, Ongar, Essex My boy Harry was sat on the living room floor, intently lining up his stuffed animal toys in a perfectly neat row. I watched with concern. Harry, 18 months, hadn’t met any of his milestones. He wasn’t walking or saying ‘Mama’. ‘Good boy,’ I said now, wrapping him in my arms. But he pushed me away, like always when I tried to scoop him up for a cuddle. And when I put him in his high chair, he’d rock back and forth. Something isn’t right, I thought. Finally, at 19 months old, Harry took his first steps, wobbling across the living room, but he still hadn’t said a word. So in July 2012, I booked in to see our GP. ‘Harry has glue ear. It’s…

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