Pick Me Up! 18-Aug-2022

Choosing between my head and heart, I’d reached a turbulent time in my life. Hitting my late 30s, I’d had the most wonderful career in accountancy, but I’d got to the point where I wanted to try a new adventure before it was too late. Living in the Highlands for my entire life, I loved the sense of community in Scotland. Only, I wanted to do something I felt really passionate about, reimagining Scottish heritage, identity, and legacy in one place. And looking at the fast fashion in my wardrobe, I’d come up with a solution. Tartan. A fabric known from one massive battle in Scottish history, but this was the 21st century, and we had to change our fighting methods. It was time to battle for the planet It…

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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.…

Cradling my baby bump, I squeezed past punters in the pub as I looked for my mates. Spotting them, I called out and gave them a wave. ‘Hi,’ I said when I got to the table, giving my friend Lucy* a big hug. ‘Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.’ It was June last year, and Lucy had just announced her pregnancy – so we’d all come to our local, the Gigmill Pub, to celebrate. My partner Tom* and I sat down with the group. ‘I can’t wait for them to be friends,’ I smiled at Lucy, stroking my own bump as my baby kicked happily. He’d always been such a little wriggler. I was 33 weeks pregnant, and looked ready to pop. But other than being a bit uncomfortable in…

We arrived at Russell’s Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Mids, and I was rushed straight through to the operating theatre. ‘We need to do this surgery now to save your foot,’ the doctor told me. ‘But we might need to deliver your baby at the same time.’ It’s too soon, I thought, feeling terrified. But I had no choice. I’d snapped every single nerve and tendon in my foot. The main tendon that connects the toe to the kneecap was snapped in half, as well. It was touch and go whether or not doctors would be able to save it. I was put to sleep, and when I woke up on a ward after the seven-hour surgery, my leg was in plaster and my hands flew to my belly. He…

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