Pick Me Up! 10-Dec-2020

Working in the animal welfare industry, I’ve always had a passion for our furry friends. I knew early on that Dogs Trust was the charity I wanted to work for. Coming in as an assistant manager at the age of 21, I slowly worked my way up the company, until eventually, becoming a manager of my own Glasgow branch. Making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, our rescue dogs are at the heart of everything we do. We’re busy all year, but Christmas is the hardest. With families caught up in the festivities and getting stressed out organising the big day, their dogs often get the short straw. Receiving a call on Christmas Eve because the dog has eaten the turkey or knocked down the tree, they’re often placed…

Get involved This year, the Duchess of Cambridge launched her Hold Still campaign, to capture the purest moments during the coronavirus pandemic. And it appears she’s not the only one to believe in the power of photography… Photo printing company CEWE have now announced the winners of their lockdown competition – On My Doorstep. The competition invited entrants to share the unusual and surreal moments they’ve captured throughout lockdown. From scenic walks to precious family moments, the photos submitted capture the best moments that photographers experienced on their doorstep this year. The five winners include: 1. Newborn in Lockdown – By Sarah King, in Knutsford 2. Heaven on Earth – By John Cuthbert, in Falkirk 3. Empty Punts – By Sally Jex, Cambridge 4. Golden Fields – By Dyfed Roberts, in…

STAR LETTER 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.…

Sipping on my drink, I watched as a small group of lads walked over to our table. ‘Alright if we sit?’ one of them asked, pulling up some spare chairs next me and the girls. Living in a small town, we knew a few of them, and the girls were more than happy for a bit of male company. Having all recently turned 18, we loved spending our Friday and Saturday nights down at the local pub. Just like this particular night, in December 2015, we were always bumping into people we knew. ‘Hi, I’m James,’ the guy who had perched next to me said. ‘Emma,’ I smiled politely. Almost instantly, he started flirting with me, but he wasn’t my type. ‘So, what is your type?’ he asked, clearly sensing…

Although I was only 21 at the time, I was absolutely ecstatic by the news. However, James made it clear he was not ready for such a big step. ‘You need to get a termination,’ he told me Already at 20-weeks, I knew that wasn’t an option. ‘No,’ I told him. ‘Then you’ll raise it on your own,’ he snapped. I knew being a father would be a huge step for James, but I hoped he’d come around. As I eagerly awaited the birth, me and James moved into our own place. He still wasn’t keen on being a dad, but I hoped things would get better. Our wonderful daughter Chloe* arrived in March 2019 and she was perfect. I felt an instant rush of love, and James posted all…

As the door swung open, I looked up to the man who had kindly held it for me and had a thunderbolt moment. ‘Thanks,’ I said with a smile, realising just how handsome he was. It really was love at first sight, and the rest is history. My husband Mark, now 57, and I met when we were both working for the RAF and the connection was instant. When we got together, Mark already had two daughters, May, now 28, and Evie, 26. I wanted to be a mum, but there was only one problem – Mark had a vasectomy. Following our doctor’s advice, in 2001, I started Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – a type of fertility treatment that involves a sperm donor. Only, soon after, I noticed blood in my…