Pick Me Up! 11-Oct-2018

Cleaning out the animal kennels, I felt someone splash me with water. ‘Oi, watch it!’ I said, flicking water back. Soon me and my colleague Kathryn were doubled up with laughter. A standard day for us! We’d met aged 18, while studying animal care at Bold Heath Kennels and Cattery. We became instant friends, and she made the long hours fly by. I was so thankful to have her by my side in 1994, when abnormal cells were found in my cervix. I needed laser surgery to ensure that they didn’t become cancerous. Terrifying. Especially as I was only 19. ‘You’ll be fine,’ she promised whenever I was scared. Thankfully she was right. My smears have come back clear ever since. But I still get panicky when I need a…

My daughters Jasmine and Paris loved flying high on a recent trip to Butlins. Just look at those happy faces… Stacey Hill, Torquay The happiest day of my life so far, marrying the man of my dreams Johnny. Now you can call me Mrs Morrison! Sarah Morrison, Bracknell On a recent hen night, we tried our hand at making cocktails. I don’t think it’s the job for me, but I’ll happily be chief taster. Manisha Kuinkel, Harrow We visited an animal sanctuary in Thailand and got to walk among these gorgeous and gentle elephants. Abigail Bryan, Huyton Here’s my wife Cam and son Ethan, looking pretty pleased having just finished their 5k colour run for St Ann’s Hospice. Daniel Hulse, Marple Bridge I often give blood and, this time around,…

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Tucking my flowery top into my jeans I checked my reflection in the mirror. ‘That’ll do,’ I smiled. My housemate Lisa was going out for the evening with her family and had invited me to come along. It was October last year and I’d been working hard - juggling my job as a support worker with my degree in Psychology and Criminology at the University of Brighton. A night out was exactly what I needed! I called my boyfriend Michael, 25, back in Belfast, to let him know about my plans. ‘I’ll text you later,’ I said. Lisa and I had a lovely evening with her aunt and uncle, dinner first in a posh restaurant, then a couple of drinks back at their hotel. ‘This has been one of the…

Ushering the little ones into their bedroom, I tried to calm them. ‘Are we going to have ice creams?’ beamed my eldest, Charley-May, 5. ‘And sweeties?!’ squealed Gary, 4. ‘Only if you go to sleep right now,’ I laughed. It was 30 July this year, and I’d just told them we’d be going on a day out the next day. Their excitement reached fever pitch, and I wished I’d kept quiet till the morning. ‘Looks like no sleep for Mummy tonight,’ I laughed to my hubby Damien, 28. ‘Jayne, get up now! If you don’t, the kids will die!’ Thankfully, they finally settled down at 8pm, and I was able to use the peace and quiet to catch up on a few chores before hitting the hay. ‘I’m just nipping…

Bean around the world Heinz Creationz are microwaveable pouches that transform the humble baked bean into a brand-new world of fabulous flavours. They’re only £1 at Asda (usually £1.75) until 4 November. Great pains! Pain au lait is a sweet and buttery bread that the French love to eat for breakfast. Enjoy it warm with some jam or Nutella for a truly French feel – or you could mix things up and serve them as a gourmet hot-dog bun! The Brioche Pasquier Pain au Lait are only £1 at Co-op (usually £1.50) until 17 October. Winter wonder-Legoland Festive fun is back at Legoland. Families can meet Father Christmas and discover over 30 rides, attractions and Lego Christmas activities. And if you book your tickets before 15 October you’ll get tickets…