Pick Me Up! 06-Aug-2020

I first started open water swimming three years ago to help improve my mental health. Living in the middle of Essex, I’d go to Redricks Lake whenever I could to get in my exercise. It was my way to escape and clear my head. Then, when Coronavirus struck my husband, Chris, in March of this year, we were forced to self-isolate. It meant that not only could I not go swimming, but the two of us couldn’t go to work at the Salvation Army. It was devastating and a week later, lockdown was enforced on the country. To keep on top of my swimming, I set up our paddling pool in my garden. There might not have been much room, but I could get a few laps in. Attached to…

GOOD DEED OF THE WEEK There are currently around 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. Up until the end of September, grab your chance to help raise awareness and money for people who live with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk is something that everyone can get involved with each year, but this year is more important than ever. Individuals who are affected by dementia and their carers have been severely impacted by the coronavirus, being cut off from support networks that are heavily relied on by donations. With one simple step, you can get involved. Whether it be lapping your back garden or your local park, on your own, with your household or with a four-legged friend, you can make a difference. The Memory Walk is completely free…

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 by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details.…

After applying a final coat of bright pink lipstick, I grabbed my handbag. ‘Taxi’s here Sophie, let’s go!’ my best pal Kate, 24, called. It was November 2017, and I was keen for a girly night out with my mates. Working as an emergency resource dispatcher for the London Ambulance Service and living with my parents – Julie, 55, and John, 56 – I was carefree, outgoing, and living my life to the fullest. A few minutes later, the cab dropped us off at our favourite cocktail bar in Clapham, and we were soon giggling over our first round of drinks. ‘When was the last time you went on a date?’ Kate asked, taking another sip of her mojito. ‘Not for a long while,’ I laughed. After a few drinks,…

Rushed to St George’s Hospital, I was taken for a CT scan and blood tests. I sat in the hospital bed unable to get my words out. All my memories had been wiped clean – I didn’t know who I was, where I came from – nothing. I couldn’t even recognise my own parents. Mum had told me who she was, and although I had no recollection of her, she seemed like a nice lady, and I figured she must be right. ‘Who are you?’ I asked when my dad walked in. He looked at me in astonishment. When the CT scan ruled out a stroke, doctors feared I had encephalitis – a rare but serious condition which causes inflammation of the brain. I was petrified – I was surrounded…

Settling at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, I cracked open a textbook and began reading. It was March 2019, and as a student nurse, I had plenty of coursework to catch up with. Just a few minutes earlier, I had kissed my little boy Frankie, then a year old, goodbye, as my sister Rebecca, 37, took him off to her place for the night. ‘Hopefully you’ll get some peace and quiet for a while,’ she’d smiled. As a single mum, I had my hands full with Frankie, and appreciated the gesture. But just half an hour into my study session, I started to feel lonely. Ever since Frankie was born on 16 November 2017 at Barnsley Hospital, he’d filled my house and my heart with his cheeky…