Pick Me Up! 14-Jan-2021

Pedaling as fast as I could, I was making my way from Berwick Upon Tweed to Cornwall for Anchor Hanover, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people. I was carrying around a 90th birthday card for the Queen for people across the country to sign. As an ex-personal trainer, helping people stay active has always been my passion. Whilst I wouldn’t call myself a fitness fanatic – as I love a bottle of red and a good meal – I definitely like to stay fit. After the cycling event, I was top of the list when it came to anything fitness related with Anchor Hanover. So, when they asked me to get involved with their partnership with Sports England and think tank Demos, I was thrilled.…

GOOD DEED OF THE WEEK Teach your little ones to help protect the planet with Bendies! A fun collection of character pouches containing two reusable silicone straws for little ones to use time and time again. Made from food grade silicone, Bendies straws are odourless, completely tasteless and 100% safe. These durable straws can be used for hot and cold drinks alike, so whether it’s a hot chocolate or cooling juice, Bendies is the handy sidekick that all kids will love, helping them to combat the wasteful use of plastic. Each Bendies pouch comes with one fat straw – perfect for milkshakes and smoothies – and one angled thin straw – ideal for normal drinks. Once little ones have used their straw, they can wash it, or pop it in…

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.…

Slipping into leggings and a nice jumper, I was ready for a night with friends in October 2019. My friend, Holly*, 24, had organised the night and had let me know the plans. Wetherspoons first with Osman and a few others, then back to his, she’d text me. He said we can crash. And so, at around 11pm on the Friday night, a group of us squeezed around a table. Once we all had our drinks, the night got off to a good start. Sat next to each other, I mostly chatted with Osman Suleyman. We’d met a while ago through mutual friends and he’d always seemed like an alright lad. I was enjoying his company, but it wasn’t long before we all wanted to move the party on. ‘Let’s…

Find online at Formahouse.co.uk…

Flicking off my morning alarm, I could barely open my eyes. ‘School Amber,’ my mum, Daniella called. Unlike most teenagers, I would have loved nothing more than to throw off my bedsheets and get ready for school. Only, as I laid in the darkness, pain seared through my head. ‘Everything OK, Love?’ Mum soothed, popping her head around the door. However, just one look at me with my hands clutched to my head and she knew it would be another day at home. I’d first started suffering with headaches when I was around eight-years-old. At first, they weren’t too bad and with the help of painkillers, I would carry on like normal. Only, within the space of just two years, they’d grown into horrendous migraines – most days I could…