Pick Me Up! 31-Oct-2019

Looking from the outside, I had the perfect life. A good marriage, a good career and a perfect home. But then suddenly, everything fell apart. I had a nervous breakdown and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. I had no idea what had happened or why. Thankfully, I had my family there to support me. My now ex-husband, my daughter Natalie, my parents Joan and Allen, and my brother Keith - they were all there, helping me get better. When I was discharged, I had to see a psychiatrist. I really struggled to deal with my illness, and I turned to alcohol and prescribed drugs to help. So, I was forced to give up my job. And so, about 18 months later, I decided that I needed something to…

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When my granddaughter was little, she used to love dressing her grandad Jim up for Halloween. Here he is after his makeover! Barbara Thomas, Blackpool This is me and my husband Stephen. I’m stitched up as a nurse and he’s a zombie doctor! Amanda Hadley, Cradley Heath Check out my girl getting ready for Halloween, she’s so excited! My little vampirina looks so happy. Richard Adams, West Midlands I love dressing up as a witch and decorating my house for the local kids at Halloween! We have some trick or treat fun! Sue Angus, Midlands Look at my fearful Halloween display! I created this with a scary mask, a balloon, hanging basket and berries. It was a monster success! Carol Loader, Somerset If your letter makes Star Letter of the…

As I watered my rhododendrons, I heard the familiar click of the kettle reaching boiling point from inside. ‘Perfect timing,’ I smiled. I made myself a cuppa and settled into a garden chair to enjoy the warm afternoon sun. But within minutes, I heard a terrifying screech from the back of my garden. What the hell? I thought. Investigating, I saw it was just a pair of local cats messing about. One was brown, and the other was black with white markings on him. I heard a screech and saw a commotion Shooing them off, I went back to my tea, and relished the peace. After my husband of 17 years and I divorced five years earlier, I’d taken it pretty hard. I’d given up my job as a hairdresser…

Cathy called us a taxi to take us to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. ‘Enough is enough now, let’s get you to A&E,’ she said. By the time we arrived there, I felt horrendous and I could barely sit up as we sat in the waiting room together. When I was finally examined by a nurse, she took one look at my hand and her brow furrowed. ‘Have you been in contact with any animals?’ she questioned me. ‘Erm, I don’t think so,’ I said. ‘Oh wait, yes!’ I remembered suddenly. ‘A stray cat, about a week ago?’ After I’d explained to her what had happened, everything moved very quickly. After running blood tests, I was diagnosed with having contracted MRSA, a serious bacterial infection, as well as streptococcus. ‘Your body has…