Table of contents for 29 May 2025 in Chat

I’ve heard people say we don’t deserve dogs, and almost every week I read a story in Chat that shows me it’s true. This week’s hero pooch is Louis, who was a support to his owner Nick as his lovely wife, Lisa, was dying of ovarian cancer (p30). And after she passed away, it was Louis who was by his side as he undertook an epic adventure in her memory. Please do write in to send your doggy stories. We really can’t get enough. Have a great week,…

As I sorted through the parcels in the courier depot where I worked, I caught someone’s eye. In his skinny jeans, a black hoodie, with mousy blond hair, my colleague Matt Kowal, then 29, wasn’t my usual type. But as he made a joke, I burst into fits of giggles. Matt had a good sense of humour. ‘All right, Halo,’ he’d wink, whenever I started a shift. His nickname for me. I’d split from my hubby a few months earlier, around November 2019, and recently lost my dad too. Matt made me smile again. So when he asked me out, I figured I had nothing to lose. He took me on a date to Elvaston Castle, and we walked and talked for hours. ‘My ex used to abuse me,’ he…

What do actors Colin Farrell and Willem Dafoe have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 1 _ Picasso, Spanish artist (5) 4 La La Land actor, _ Stone (4) 6 Baby frogs (8) 13 Edible pulses (7) 14 Carbon _, atmospheric gas (7) 15 Proportion (5) 16 Close (4) 17 Refuse to notice (6) 18 Gesture (6) 20 Top of a house (4) 21 People who inherit (5) 22 Joanna _, Absolutely Fabulous actor (6) 25 Biting insect (8) 28 Refused (6) 30 More pleasant (5) 32 Timetable (8) 34 Mad (6) 35 Band that had a hit with Common People (4) 38 In the fairy tale, Gretel’s brother (6) 39 Musical play (5) 40 Every time (6) 43 Aaron _, Breaking Bad star (4) 44 Reason, cause (6) 45 Small red fruits with stones…

Is my baby at risk? Q I’m 38 weeks pregnant. I don’t think I’ve had chickenpox, but I saw my nephew at the weekend and he now has it. What should I do? Sally, Chester A If you’re pregnant and have been around someone with chickenpox – especially in the last month of pregnancy – see your GP as soon as possible. A simple blood test can check your immunity – at least 80% of women turn out to be immune without even realising it. If you’re not and you’ve been exposed, your doctor may recommend antiviral tablets (which are safe to take in pregnancy) to reduce the risk of infection. You might also be offered an injection containing antibodies to give your immune system a boost. Avoid contact with…

1 Make a schedule ‘Plan specific times in your day for worrying. For example, set aside 15 minutes to think about your concerns, and when worrying pops up outside of that time, remind yourself to deal with it later,’ advises psychotherapist Helen Wells. 2 Control what you can Learning to focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t helps reduce stress, says Helen. ‘Take practical steps to prepare for situations, but don’t get caught up in imagining every worst-case scenario. Finding a balance between preparation and allowing some flexibility can ease the pressure and prevent worry from taking over.’ 3 Limit triggers If the news or social media increases your anxiety, it’s worth reducing your exposure or setting limits on your phone, says Helen. ‘Try picking specific times to check the…

As the words echoed overhead, it was nothing out of the ordinary for me. ‘Level one paediatric trauma,’ the announcement said. I was an ICU nurse, looking after patients in critical condition. I’d spent almost every day for the past eight years in this hospital. Taking bloods, changing dressings, providing round-the-clock care for some of our sickest patients. Hard work, but a privilege to help people. I’d had to get used to the fact that a normal day at work for me was my patients’ worst nightmare. Only, today was different. Hearing the announcement, I knew this case was serious. The patient was a little boy suffering severe burns, in need of urgent treatment. My little boy. Today was my nightmare. It’d started like any other, in January 2024. Waking…

Reaching for my wife Lisa’s hand, the consultant’s remarks echoed around my mind. ‘I’m afraid you have ovarian cancer. You only have three to five years left to live.’ It was March 2015, and with those few words, it felt as though our whole world had fallen apart. But Lisa, then 51, was made of stronger stuff. ‘I’m not letting this define me,’ she vowed. ‘I’m going to make the most of whatever time I’ve got left.’ ‘Then I’ll help you,’ I promised her. Lisa and I had been married for almost 22 years, together for 30. My soulmate, I couldn’t imagine life without her. I took early retirement from my job as an IT manager to look after Lisa as she underwent surgery and chemo. It was brutal but…

Soda bread pizza There’s no need to wait for dough to rise with these simple bases. SERVES 4 PREP 15 MINS COOK 20 MINS ● 50g plain flour ● ½tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 284ml pot buttermilk ● Pea shoots, for garnish (optional) ● Olive oil, to drizzle For the topping: ● 6-8tbsp passata  ● 2tsp thyme leaves ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 8 mild or hot Peppadew peppers, quartered ● 175g feta cheese, crumbled 1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan. Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda with a pinch of fine salt into a bowl. Take 3tbsp buttermilk out of the pot, then add the rest to the flour. Use your hands to bring the dough together to make a soft but…

PS… Pro Strong Hold Hairspray, £2.50, Primark Looking for a versatile, strong-hold hairspray that won’t break the bank? Then this bargain buy will seriously impress. Packed with plant proteins to keep your strands healthy and strong, plus UV filters to protect against damage, this spray does it all. Use after styling your hair by spraying liberally from root to tip to ensure your hair stays in place, no matter what your day looks like. Collection Cosmetics Gloss Me Up PH Gloss, £3.99, collection cosmetics.com This clever lip gloss adapts to your lips’ natural pH to create a custom shade that’s individual to you. The non-sticky balm soothes and hydrates while also providing a subtle hint of colour, so you can wear it knowing it’s caring for your pout. Coming in…

Arnima Hayat’s parents always knew their daughter was special. Intelligent and caring, she had a bright future, they were sure of it. When she was 9 years old, Arnima and her family relocated from Bangladesh to Australia. Her parents hoped that it would open more opportunities for their beloved daughter. And Arnima flourished. As she got older, it was clear what a gifted student she was. And when she was a teen, she was accepted at Western Sydney University to study medicine. Arnima was so excited. ‘Papa, one day when I become a doctor, I will earn a lot of money. I will buy you a house. I will buy a BMW car. You will see,’ she told her dad. A family girl, Arnima was very close to her parents.…

Sitting opposite my GP, I felt nervous but determined. ‘How can I help?’ he asked. I looked down at my size-26 frame, squeezed into the chair. All 20st of it. ‘I need gastric surgery,’ I blurted out. ‘You’ll need to lose weight first,’ my GP replied. I wanted to scream. If I could have lost the flipping weight, I wouldn’t have been there in the first place! Thanks to my appetite, I’d been heavy since my school days, making me a target for bullies. It made me hate my body. Now, in winter 2020, I was a 32-year-old married mum, with a daughter, then 4, and son, 3, and my size was destroying my life. My kids were growing quickly, but I couldn’t keep up with them. We lived five…

When Elaine Hall waved her son Dylan, then 13, off to visit his father, she put on a brave face. It was November 2012, and she’d divorced Dylan’s dad Mark Redwine five years earlier, after 18 years of marriage. It’d sparked a bitter custody battle. Dylan lived with his mum and brother Cory, then 16, in Colorado Springs, more than 200 miles from his dad in Durango, Colorado. But a court order meant he had to visit his father. Even if he didn’t want to. Still, being in Durango meant he got to see friends. So after Mark picked him up from the airport, Dylan texted his buddy Ryan. Asked if he wanted to hang out. Absolutely, let’s make a plan, Ryan replied. The boys arranged to meet at Ryan’s…

Q I had a blood test eight months ago and I still have a bruise. I’m on medication for atrial fibrillation. How can I make it disappear for my daughter’s wedding? Moira, Stevenage A It’s not unusual for bruises to take time to heal, especially if you’re on anticoagulant medication, which can affect blood clotting and prolong bruising. Typically, bruises can take several weeks to months to fade, depending on how severe the bruise is, your skin type and overall health. The bruise should eventually disappear, but there are a few things you can do to help it heal faster. Apply arnica cream, keep the area moisturised and try to avoid any further trauma to the site. If the bruise doesn’t improve or you’re worried, ask your doctor for advice.…

In which city, noted for its railroad associations, would you find the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Chops finely = DIES + C = DICES. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2 x £25 Puzzle 9 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Her boyfriend's a player Q I don’t like my friend’s boyfriend. He hits on all her mates, in front of her, and she just laughs it off. I’ve even caught him kissing other girls on nights out. When I told her, she just told me to mind my own business. But I’m worried about my pal. How can I make her see sense? Hannah, 25 A You’re right to see red flags, hun. But as your pal proves, love is blind. You’ve told her what you’ve seen, and she’s told you to back off. If you value her as a friend, listen to her, no matter how hard that is. Stick around for her but don’t get involved. It’s not your relationship, flower, so let her get on with it. Too…

3 ways to.. find the best savings account Make the most of your cash by ensuring that it’s in the best savings account for you and your circumstances. Here’s how to do it 1 Do your research Explore the different types of accounts available and the rates you can get access to. A key factor to consider is how quickly you’ll be able to access your cash. With easy access accounts you can withdraw money whenever you want (though some have limits on the number of withdrawals, so be sure to check). While with notice accounts, you’ll need to provide a certain amount of notice before you can withdraw your money. And with a fixed-term savings account, you can't usually withdraw your cash until the end of the term. When you’re…

Daise Pomegranate Glow Exfoliating Body Scrub, £8, Tesco Get ready for summer with this fruity body scrub. The gritty formula buffs away dead cells to reveal silky, soft skin that smells like a dream. Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio, £19, uk.morphe.com Use this powder and cream palette on your eyes and cheeks to create a pop of pigmented colour. Take your pick from seven fabulous flattering shades. W7 True Grip Eyeshadow Primer, £5.50, w7makeup.co.uk The secret to long-lasting eyeshadow is using a primer, and this one grips products in place to create a flawless base for easy eyeshadow application. H&M Posh Pistachio Eau de Toilette, £9.99, hm.com With bright top notes of lemon and bergamot mixed with pistachio and vanilla, this creamy yet zesty blend is the perfect scent…

Have you read any good books lately? I’m not much of a book reader to be honest – I don’t have the time. I much prefer a good magazine… like Chat! If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Definitely flying! That way, I could fly to all the countries I want to visit, including Australia and America, whenever I wanted and without paying the airfare! What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? Without a doubt, I’d buy a house in Cornwall so that I could live there. It’s my favourite place in the world and my favourite beaches there have been the same since I was 8 -Widemouth Bay and Perranporth. Bude in Cornwall has my heart – it’s the best little town!…

Russell Horning found fame in his teens performing which dance, including on US TV with Katy Perry? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer’s in. We’ve put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Changing, altering 3 High mountain • Authoritative decision (3-2) 5 Toy on a string (2-2) • Long-billed wading bird 7 Farewell • Schoolteacher’s title 9 Small falcons Your answer:…

STYLE TIP Lift your spirits with buttery yellow shades that take everyday tailoring to new heights. STYLE TIP Occasion-wear dressing doesn’t come prettier than an embellished co-ord. Pair simply with cream. STYLE TIP Bag yourself a designer lookalike and opt for a crinkle fabric swimsuit that will flatter your figure. STYLE TIP This versatile minidress can be worn for date night or as a cover-up when poolside.…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK My eyes sprang wide open. I peered around my bedroom, confused. Then nausea hit. I leaned over the bin. It was February 2014 and, aged 19, I’d been having these episodes every few months. Waking up suddenly, feeling sick. My mum Diane, then 39, dashed in. ‘We need to get you to the hospital,’ she said. At the local minor injuries unit, a nurse checked me over. Suddenly I felt as if I’d stepped out of my body. Couldn’t move or speak. ‘You’re having seizures,’ the nurse said. Referred me to Royal Preston Hospital for an EEG to monitor brain activity and an MRI scan. More tests followed. Finally, in September 2014, I had answers. ‘Your seizures are coming from here,’ the neurologist explained, pointing at small…

The hill of Hisarlik is the modern name for the site of which legendary ancient city? Solve the crossword, then read down the shaded squares to find the prize puzzle answer. ACROSS 1 Uses one’s teeth (5) 4 Part of a tennis match (3) 6 Take part in an election (4) 7 English cathedral city (3) DOWN 1 Courageous (5) 2 Flavour (5) 3 Take a seat (3) 5 Long, thin fish (3) WIN 4x £20 Puzzle 10 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Walking hand in hand with my hubby Adam, then 25, through Central Park in New York, I felt so lucky. After marrying in December 2016, we’d decided to go travelling. Had the chance to see the United States including Dallas and Washington, and parts of Australia, where we were from. We’d wanted to enjoy some time together, just the two of us, before our next adventure… ‘Let’s have a baby,’ I said to Adam. I had a job working for the local government, and Adam was a landscaper. We were ready. Adam was one of a big blended family, while I had one sibling. Family meant so much to us, so we couldn’t wait to have a little one of our own. Back home from our trip five months later,…

Aries 21 March-20 April Saturn moves into your sign on 26 May for the first time since 1999. It’s time to get serious about what you really want and work steadily towards your goals. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May Mercury moves out of Taurus on 26 May, so make the most of the last few days of this transit by creating a practical plan for the rest of spring. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With the Sun, Mercury and New Moon all in your sign this week, find fresh ways of achieving your goals. Trust new ideas you’re receiving and believe in your dreams. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You may feel…

Q Do I really have to wear SPF every day? Maria Kelly, Peak District A Most people think you only have to wear SPF on holiday or in summer. But we should wear it on our faces all year round. SPF masks your skin from harmful UV rays (which are out every day), reducing skin cancer risk and preventing aging. Luckily, many incredible formulas make it easy and affordable. New launch Revolution Skin Sunray Glow Daily Protection Sunscreen SPF50+, £12, revolutionbeauty.com, is packed with vitamin C that brightens skin while you wear it, and has a glow-giving finish to boost radiance. Apply after your normal skincare products, before your make-up. Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50, £15, Space NK, is another new formula bursting with ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and…

Chat winners issue 9 (27 Feb 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH D Evans, Sutton Coldfield £500 CASH B McCarthy, Belfast P Wallace, Ballyclare £250 CASH J Annett, Sheerness J Drury, Hereford £200 CASH K Dewey, Bournemouth £100 CASH L Black, Newtownabbey P Mortimer, Bristol S Northcott, Torpoint £75 CASH C Fennelly, Bradford £50 CASH K Harnetty, St Helens T Glynn, Worksop J West, Swansea J Mill, Dundee RL Fallows, Stoke-on-Trent D Hitch Mbe, Carlisle £40 CASH T Edgar, Frome £30 CASH E Pond, Preston J Atkinson, Bradford £25 CASH S Wilkinson, Thirsk N Crossley, Sandown £20 CASH J Williams, Middlesbrough T Cranswick, Bishop Auckland N Black, Nottingham R Austin, Trowbridge R Davies, Worksop D Michael, Barnsley J Bonner, Hartlepool A Hardy, Nuneaton A…