Pick Me Up! 13-Sep-2018

Doubled over in pain, I clenched my belly. It was September last year and I’d been diagnosed with a perforated bowel. I’d need emergency surgery, which was going to knock me off my feet for months. I’d require 24-hour care and that’s when Nan stepped in. Busy working as a business support officer, I only saw her about twice a year. But when I needed her, she was there. She sat by my bedside every day throughout my month in hospital and would bring me juice, treats and magazines. Even when I was discharged from hospital, she never stopped looking after me. It’d be 8am and I’d hear the familiar rattle of keys. ‘I’m here!’ she’d holler from the bottom of the stairs. And, before I even knew it, she’d…

I always say it’s not a holiday without your favourite magazine. I’m enjoying a Pick Me Up! on a cruise of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Josian Gallop, Salisbury Abner couldn’t wait to have a go on this funfair game, and he only went and won! Although carrying this large pup around with us was a bit of a nightmare… Lindsey Smith, Shawbury I loved seeing the Red Arrows display in Weston -super-Mare. It was completely breathtaking and amazing to see in person. R Griffin, Bristol My son Evan was having a nice relaxing float on his flamingo. Look how chilled out he is… Amy Pimm, via e-mail After a long day of doing nothing, it was time to treat the kids to an ice cream and milkshake. They looked…

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Clutching a picture frame of medals, Wayne Domeney’s voice boomed around the living room. ‘Look at these!’ Wayne, 44, said proudly. It was August 2010 and, after just four months of dating my mum Cath, 42, Wayne had moved in. An ex-paratrooper, he’d been in the Army for 23 years, and loved talking about it. ‘I had tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and I met Prince Charles,’ he boasted, pointing at a photo of him shaking the Prince’s hand. Although I’d been upset when Mum and Dad had split the year before, I didn’t mind my new stepdad. And everybody else loved Wayne, especially Mum. ‘He’s a war hero,’ Mum would grin proudly. Wayne had retired,but Mum worked shifts as a warehouse operative. He’d often babysit, treating me…

Leaning over the basin in his boxers, my boyfriend Marshall, 19, scrubbed his teeth while I wittered away. ‘I’ve got that doctor’s appointment today about my tummy pains,’ I told him. ‘Don’t worry,’ I said, giving his bum a pinch. ‘I’ll let you know how it goes.’ Laughing, Marshall kept cleaning his teeth. It was the same every morning, since we’d moved into our first place together earlier that month. It was an exciting time, setting up home, after two years together. Next was kids, maybe marriage... Our future was looking bright. My tummy troubles were the only thing stopping life from being perfect. I’d been having stomach cramps and feeling trapped nerves in my legs for two years. ‘It won’t be anything serious,’ Marshall said, as he headed off…

Salad days Merchant Gourmet Ready to Eat Pulses and Grains are a great way to bulk up salads or throw together a quick and easy midweek meal. The range includes flavours from lots of different cuisines, so whether it’s fuss- free French lentils or speedy Spanish rice you’re after, these gems will do the job. They’re only £1.35 at Tesco (usually £2) until 25 September. It’s wine o’clock! Brancott Estate is a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with fruity and floral flavours. It’s a good match for seafood, but for something a bit different, try pairing it with spicy Thai dishes! It’s currently down to £7 at Co-op (usually £10) until 9 October. The eyes have it If you’re a Superdrug Health & Beautycard member, then you can say bye-bye to…