Pick Me Up! 21-Apr-2022

Settling down to an evening of homework, I got my thinking cap on. Being a mum to Charlie, 10, and Ella, seven, my nights would be hectic after a long day working for Virgin Media. After 15 years in my full-time job, I found out that I was being made redundant in 2017. I felt at a loose end. ‘There’s an event coming up and there will be a stall about fostering,’ I revealed to my partner James, 39. We had always wanted more children and had frequent conversations about fostering. And with one door closing for me, it felt like the perfect opportunity to open another. Attending the event, we learnt about the process as well as the children that were looking for a home. Seeing them smiling at…

Get involved Ready, steady, bake! The Queen of Cakes, Mary Berry, is once again championing the Great British Garden Party as it celebrates its third, delicious year. Designed by the National Garden Scheme to help raise vital funds for nursing and health charities, this year they’re inviting you to throw your very own garden party this summer. Partnering with Talking Tables, this year, the NGS want you to throw loud, colourful parties for everyone to enjoy. So, bake your cakes, make flower crowns and party as the sun sets on your table while raising all important funds. The Great British Garden Party takes place between 16 and 24 July. • Sign up today and get your free fundraising pack which includes invitations, posters and fundraising tips. Visit: ngs.org.uk/gardenparty GET 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.…

Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket after school, I opened up a new message and smiled. It was from a lad called Lee Brown. I’d been chatting to him for a few days, after a friend shared my pin on the Blackberry BBM messaging app. I’d only recently turned 16, and I’d just had my heart broken for the first time. Lee was five years older than me, and I was flattered he’d taken an interest. It made me feel so grown up. It turned out that Lee worked in the local chicken shop just around the corner from me, owned by his uncle. Do you fancy meeting up? Lee wrote. I’d love to, I replied. But I’ll bring a friend along with me. I will, too, he said.…

Over the next few days, dark thoughts sank in. I wanted to end my own life. I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt that way, though, as I couldn’t admit to myself that I’d been raped. The days passed in a blur, and on 2 January 2017 I went to see my GP. ‘Has anything happened to cause these thoughts?’ she asked gently. I was honest and it all came tumbling out. The doctor was full of advice and support, and gave me a phone number for an organisation that helps women affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence, called Safe Place. But I was told there wasn’t much they could do. I hadn’t told the police, as I didn’t want to get Lee into trouble. I just…

Marigold has everything you need to get your house shining! Check out other amazing products at Margold.co.uk Marigold Scrub Away Scourer Durable and fantastic for getting tough stains off pans – all you need is warm soapy water and it’s also great to use on grills and BBQs. (£1.19) Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre Cloths These thick microfibre cloths can be used wet or dry. They are machine washable, remove 99% of bacteria and come in different colours. (4 pack, £2.99) Marigold Cleaning Me Softly Non-Scratch Scourer Approved by Teflon™ for nonstick coatings. Innovative scouring layer breaks up the dirt and lifts it from the surface, without scratching. (2 pack £1.19) Marigold Extra-Life Kitchen Gloves The iconic rubber glove is triple-dipped to protect hands. The fitted wrist and roll top…