Pick Me Up! 08-Aug-2019

Everyone thinks they have the best mum in the world, right? Well my mum is. Not only has my mum dedicated her life to raising me and my sister, Heather, 29, but for the past ten years, she has been the full-time carer of her own mum, Elizabeth, and her brother, John. Before me and Heather were born, my grandma was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and then, when we were little, she was further diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Mum spent virtually every day at Grandma’s house, helping my grandad John to look after her. Then, about 15 years ago, my Uncle Johnny was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so she also took on the role of caring for him. Despite the heartache of seeing her loved ones’ suffering, she did what…

UNUSUAL BUY We all love a good inflatable pool float for our summer holidays. But there is one problem – there’s never anywhere to put our drinks. Until now! This summer, inflatable cup holders seem to have taken the retail world by storm, coming in all shapes and sizes, including unicorns, pineapples, palm trees, and even doughnuts. They’re the answer to our prayers this summer season. So, lie back on your giant pizza float and let your drink bop next to you, without the worry of any spills! THIS WEEK The UK’s Biggest LGBTQ Pride Festival is held in Preston Park from 2 to 4 August this year. Brighton and Hove Pride is widely acknowledged and one of the best, boldest and most popular international Pride events worldwide. This year,…

My baby girl Freya having a little kick about. So cute! Lindsey Thomas, Bristol A Nutella crepe is a must-have when in Paris! Nadia Rouch, Somerset Went out for some fancy mocktails with my friend. We need to go back for some proper cocktails when we aren’t driving! Beth Coles, Bristol Me and my beautiful mum on holiday together in Majorca! We had such a nice girls’ time away in Spain. Em Cullen, Dorset I went to Rome with my boyfriend last month and we made our own pasta! Am I a chef yet? Megan Rennie, South Gloucestershire If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’ experience of helping celebrate life’s special moments and FREE delivery…

Twirling around in front of the mirror, my five-year-old daughter Eva grinned happily. ‘You look ridiculous!’ I said, trying not to laugh. Dressed in black leggings and a purple top, she’d put on a blue tutu to complete the look. We were due at my friend Mel’s* for dinner, and we were running late. But Eva was too busy admiring herself. ‘Come on love, take that tutu off,’ I said. ‘Please can I wear it to dinner, Mummy?’ she pleaded, her eyes wide. ‘Oh, go on then,’ I sighed. ‘Let’s get in the car, Aunty Mel is waiting for us.’ Clambering into the back seat, Eva was beaming with pride about her latest fashion choice, grinning happily. It was 27 April this year, and we’d been invited to Mel’s house…

It was torture being away from my little girl, knowing she was in just as much pain as I was. ‘At least I can understand what’s happened to me,’ I said to Mum. ‘Eva’s only five years old. She’s in so much pain and doesn’t know why.’ A few days later, though, I got to see her. Setting up my laptop, Mum and Darren arranged for us to Facetime. As Eva’s face came into view, I gasped in horror. Our brave girl's body was shutting down She was completely bandaged up, and all I could see were her eyes. ‘Hi baby,’ I smiled. ‘Hi, Mummy,’ she said. ‘I love you.’ I could tell that my girl was in so much pain, and it broke my heart. ‘You’ll be better soon,’…

I felt a piece of paper hit me on the back of the head as I sat, trying to concentrate in science class, age 15. Turning around, I saw a group of boys sniggering, and my face flushed red. Among them was my school crush, Neil, now 50. Meet me at Woolworths after school? the note read - and my heart raced with excitement. After class, I ran to tell my best friend Louise, now 50, about the note. ‘I’ll come with you,’ she squealed - she knew how much I liked him. That afternoon, the two of us rushed to my house so I could change out of my school blazer. But when we got to Woolworths, there was no sign of Neil. ‘He’s not coming,’ I sighed -…