Pick Me Up! 17-Jun-2021

Back in July 2019, my wonderful dad Nigel was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. We were completely devastated, but seven months later, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer myself. It was a hard time and I don’t know how I would have coped without my dad. Always laughing and smiling, he was so cheeky, but that’s what we loved about him. Thankfully, in 2020, we both rang the cancer bell 10 weeks apart. We were on the road to recovery and looking forward to a healthy future. Only, in July, just 10 days after getting the allclear, Dad was tragically told he was dying of a brain tumour. Then, shortly after his 60th birthday, he moved into Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Due to the pandemic, our visiting hours were restricted,…

HAVE YOU HEARD OF? There are thousands of jobs out there that you’ve probably never heard of. From hippotherapists to body painters, there’s an occupation for every hobby and niche. If you’re a fan of a snuggle, then a professional cuddler role could be for you. There are a number of professional cuddlers popping up over the world. A relatively new business, clients can spoon, cuddle and snuggle with fully clothed professionals in a completely consensual way. Some cuddling studios have themed rooms, such as a tropical or meditative room, and cuddlers can watch films or listen to music together – or simply lay there in silence and enjoy the squeeze. You can earn £40,000 a year, cuddling for 45 hours a week. Who would have ever known? We’re loving…

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.…

Sitting on the sofa, my son came storming into the room. ‘Everything OK?’ I asked Scott, then 12. I could tell he was in a mood, but he just shrugged it off. Six months prior, Scott had suffered a bladder cancer scare and he wasn’t coping well. Doctors had found a tumour and he’d needed surgery. Thankfully, his health was on track, but around six months later, he began having mood swings, which was completely out of character. Scott was always a lovely boy, but one minute he was high and the next minute he was low. Doctors advised us it was trauma, and we tried to get on with things. Soon, Scott went back to football and life began to return to normal. Only, Scott’s mood was very temperamental.…

Opening my eyes, I blinked at the daylight streaming through the bedroom window. Rolling over slowly, my partner James, 33, stared at me worriedly. ‘You stopped breathing last night in your sleep,’ he said. ‘What?’ I gasped. Only for a few seconds, but it was scary…’ he told me. It was January 2019, and my weight was beginning to have a serious impact on my health. I tipped the scales at 24st 1lb and I was a dress size 28. I suffered from a long list of illnesses – fibromyalgia – a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body – myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), non-epileptic seizures, polycystic ovaries, an underactive thyroid, depression and anxiety. It meant that I was often bed-bound, unable to leave the house. James was my…

This week, our tip of the week will receive some great products from Addis! Creating a clean and neat space can makeover a room with minimal cost yet maximum impact. This Addis rattan effect laundry hamper, basket, toilet brush and bin, is the perfect, fourpiece, mini makeover. For ways to embrace your space visit addis.co.uk Fancy a chippy? Don’t waste chip shop chips! Store them in the freezer until you want them next. Just cook them for around 20 minutes at 180oC! Jim Moorhouse-Wren, Black Country Zip it! Tighten a loose zipper with a squirt of hairspray! Judith Cairns, Essex Good for the sole If your canvas shoes are smelling a bit, just put a bar of soap in them and leave it overnight. It absorbs all of the odours…