Table of contents for 10 July 2025 in Chat

Welcome to this week's Chat… When I'm at the pool in the mornings, I'm often the odd one out because I don't have any tattoos. I'm too wimpy to get inked but find myself jealous of the other swimmers' cool designs. Then I read Felisia's story (p23). Her elephant body art is stunning… Until she's wearing shorts. If you've got a dodgy tatt, please share it with us by writing to the usual address on p4 – especially if you've got a sense of humour about it, like Felisia does. Well, you've got to laugh! Have a great week, Kate Williams, Editor PS If you're entering the puzzles online, this is the link to use: comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Cranking up the car stereo, my mate Sam sang her heart out. It was February 2023, and Sam, then 43, was bubbly, fun and loved old-school dance music. ‘It reminds me of the good old days, when I was younger,’ she smiled. Sadly, Sam didn't have so many good days now. I'd met her through my charity, Homeless Street Angels, and while she wasn't homeless, she was vulnerable, and I knew how that felt. I'd previously struggled with poor mental health and drug addiction. My younger sister, Abi, died in 2017, aged 38. Devastated, me and my twin sister Shelley channelled our grief into helping vulnerable people. Along with handing out hot food and blankets to people sleeping rough, we worked alongside opticians and dentists to offer free treatments. We…

What do singers Stevie Wonder and Kendrick Lamar have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the three-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 Drink made from apples (5) 4 Optimism (4) 6 Asks to marry (8) 13 Teaching periods (7) 14 Pig's foot (7) 15 Boldness (5) 16 Employs (4) 17 Sports cup (6) 18 Take place (6) 20 Applaud (4) 21 Iridescent gems (5) 22 Furtive (6) 25 Terrible (8) 28 At a higher volume (6) 30 _ Lennox, Scottish singer (5) 32 Amaze (8) 34 Bicep, for example (6) 35 Pimples (4) 38 Indescribable (6) 39 _ Ashley, designer (5) 40 Modest (6) 43 Take a big drink (4) 44 Marilyn _, Hollywood icon (6) 45 Salad dish (8) 48 Stadium (5) 49 Strappy shoe (6) 51 African country (8) 54 Person lacking courage (6) 55 Scottish city (5) 56 Group of three (4) 58 Person with no parents (6) 60…

Q I have had a dripping nose and itchy eyes for over two weeks. I thought it was a cold, but I now think it's hay fever. What can I do? Fiona, Wigan A As it's been going for a couple of weeks, it does sound like you might have hay fever. To manage symptoms, wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. If you have dry, watery eyes, consider using sodium cromoglycate eye drops for relief. To trap pollen before it hits the inside of your nose, apply petroleum jelly around the base of your nostrils. Using a steroid nasal spray twice daily throughout the season can help prevent a dripping nose too, while daily antihistamines can further relieve symptoms. Keep your windows shut during the day, avoid drying…

1 Know what's normal Poo is just your food coming out, right? Well, not entirely. Faecal matter is 75% water and 25% solid debris, consisting of food waste, toxins from the liver and dead blood cells. Digestion health expert Michelle Geraghty-Corns explains that a ‘healthy’ poo is a ‘soft and formed bowel movement, typically brown in colour, but if food passes too quickly or slowly through our system, it can impact the size, colour and texture’. 2 Be clued up on colour Poo isn't always brown. If your stool has a strange hue, don't panic – it could just be a result of what you've eaten. Red wine, beetroot and food colouring can all affect the colour of your poo, turning it black, dark red and sometimes even green. While…

When you get a lovely tattoo... Fresh out the shower one day in August 2023, I admired my tattoos in the mirror. Roses winding around my left arm, a Dolly Parton quote on my ribs. ‘I fancy a thigh tattoo next,' I told my boyfriend Thomas, then 27, later. ‘Go for it,' he grinned. I loved elephants, so I sent ideas to the tattoo artist. When the day of my appointment came in November 2023, I put on a pair of hot pants to allow easy access to my thigh. ‘That one!’ I smiled, pointing to a stencil of an elephant's head adorned with flowers. The tattooist placed the stencil on my left thigh. ‘Is that where you want it?’ he asked. ‘Perfect,’ I nodded. As he started, it was…

Top tip Decorate with anything you have – sprinkles or chopped chocolate are also good. Ice cream cake This stunner comes together using a handful of shop-bought ingredients. SERVES 8 PREP 15 MINS, PLUS FREEZING ● 1 medium sponge flan case, edge removed ● About 26 sponge fingers ● 350g chocolate ice cream, slightly softened ● 350g raspberry ice cream or sorbet, slightly softened ● 350g vanilla ice cream, slightly softened ● Dark chocolate curls, to decorate You will need: ● 16cm springform tin, lined with baking paper 1 Put the flan base in the middle of the lined tin and vertically arrange the sponge fingers around its edge. 2 In a bowl, whip the chocolate ice cream until smooth. Pour into the cake tin and spread with a spatula. Freeze for…

Waiting by the front door, I picked up my backpack. Checked my toothbrush and favourite horse-print pyjamas were inside. ‘Ready, love?’ my mum Helen, then 26, smiled. After calling for my brother Sam, then 6, we both piled into the back seat of the car. It was June 1994 and we were heading over to my auntie's for a sleepover. My cousin Michael, then 17, was going to babysit while Mum and my auntie let their hair down for the evening. Only 4, I loved it when Michael looked after us. Arriving at my auntie's house, we headed upstairs. ‘Be good,’ Mum smiled. Changing into my PJs, I climbed into the double bed in Michael's room next to Sam. Tucking us in, Michael said goodnight. ‘I'm downstairs with friends if…

If you're looking to save money on your skincare routine, a cleanser is where you can get away with something cheap and cheerful. All you really need it to do is clean away the make-up and grime for the day, and this is an incredibly affordable option that's both gentle and effective. This clever two-in-one brush will help create a flawless make-up base. Use the buffing brush to apply foundation, then swap to the fluffy side to apply powder bronzer and blusher. It'll save space in your make-up bag, and the double usage means it'll save you some pennies, too.…

Chat winners issue 15 (10 April 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH E Dovenor, Hartlepool £500 CASH CW Pearce, Coventry L Jamieson, Aberdeenshire £250 CASH I Aitkinhead, Lincoln L Shackley, Chesterfield £200 CASH D Heather, Waterlooville £100 CASH S Bancroft, Lichfield J Flowers, Hull S Odonoghue, St Leonards-on-Sea £75 CASH E McDevitt, Bexley £50 CASH K Phillips, Darlington L Carroll, Burnley L Hall, Worthing J Holyland, Loughborough S Horne, Hull R Doyle-Morris, Stamford £40 CASH B Clarke, Loughborough £30 CASH S Rothwell, Knaresborough J Brown, Lincoln £25 CASH S Barclay, Southminster GD Wake, Birmingham £20 CASH M Osmond, Hyde E Cooke, Glastonbury H Gent, Warrington C Rendall, Antrim P Evans, Launceston S Witchell, Calne D Edwards, Dunkinfield J Smith, Wirral S Shoebridge, East Grinstead…

Get in touch! EMAIL chat_magazine@futurenet.com POST Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR Find us online at facebook.com/ChatMagazine We pay £25 for any photos that we use on Chat To Us!…

Smearing blue eyeshadow on his face, I grinned. ‘You look pretty, Daddy,’ I giggled. Stepping back to admire my work, I wasn't finished yet. ‘Now I'm going to do your hair!’ I announced. Smiling, my dad Mark, then 35, just sat and let me give him a makeover. ‘More glitter please,’ he said, playing along. It was 2004 and, aged 5, I adored Dad. My big sister and I loved playing with him. Nothing made us laugh more than seeing Dad all dolled up. He was just happy to spend time with us. He was protective, too. He'd sleep on my floor when I had a nightmare, his comforting snores drifting up to me in bed. But as happy as life was, there was sometimes tension in the air. I…

Piercing pain Q My ear piercing holes get inflamed and itchy within 10 minutes of putting earrings in. It happens whether it's costume jewellery, silver, gold or titanium. Will I ever be able to wear earrings again? Zara, Oxford A It depends on what's causing your reactions. A common issue is a metal allergy, especially to nickel found in costume jewellery and some gold or silver. Switching to hypoallergenic options such as pure 14ct or 18ct gold or surgical steel can help. You could also try using silicone studs to reduce direct contact with your skin. If the problem persist, you may need to let your piercings close fully and heal before having your ears pierced again. When you do make sure you choose a reputable professional who uses proper techniques…

Poppy ❤ Olivia When Chihuahua-cross puppy Poppy was rescued by the charity, she rescued one of their workers right back. RSPCA animal care assistant Olivia Ball, 33, had just lost her cat after 23 years and was struggling with health issues when she came across little Poppy at work. The tiny pup had been saved by the charity at 8 months old after being found with broken legs and three fractured ribs. Poor Poppy also had an amputated ear and skin wounds following a series of attacks. But while nursing her back to health, Olivia fell in love and asked to take Poppy home! Living happily in Milford on Sea, Poppy loves walks on the beach and paddling in the sea. Olivia says: ‘Poppy came just at the right…

Secret love for bestie Q I've been best friends with a girl for five years. Problem is, I've been in love with her for the last two. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and I've been helping her through it, but it's getting harder to hide my feelings. I want to tell her how I feel, but I'm scared. Do I risk ruining our friendship by being honest with her? Lauren, 25 A You're not the first to fall for a best friend, and you won't be the last, love. Fessing up could either be the start of a relationship that ends, or she might not feel the same. Especially if you've no reason to believe that she's attracted to women. On the other hand, it could be the…

Go green, save cash Save money by taking your own cup to coffee shops – no matter what brand of cup you have. Pret gives 50p off while Starbucks offers 25p off. Costa offers its loyalty club members an extra ‘bean’ to use towards free drinks*. 3 ways to... save on mobile costs abroad Don't get hit by a huge bill when you use your phone on holiday this summer 1 Do your research Firstly, find out how much it will cost to use your phone abroad. This will vary by provider but also depend on the country you're going to. In some cases, it won't cost more than using your phone at home. For example, some providers offer free roaming in the EU, while others charge a daily fee. But…

This mess-free mist will keep your limbs silky smooth all summer. Even better, a little goes a long way – just one spray instantly revives dry, irritated skin. Did you know your hair can be harmed by UV rays? This leave-in spray helps shield your locks from the sun and chlorine, while leaving it smooth and glossy. Get a plumper pout while adding a subtle pop of colour with this lip treatment. It uses a tingling heat sensation to give the appearance of fuller lips, while adding a glossy finish. If you have damaged hair, you'll love this mask, which overhauls locks in just one minute. It uses protein to strengthen and repair quickly, and it smells lovely and fresh. This powder is designed to be used under the eyes…

A colourful character, often wearing bright sunglasses, Lorraine Cox was ‘the most kind-hearted, loving, generous girl’ and ‘the heartbeat’ of her family. Close to her dad Tony and brother Mark, she missed them and her mates while living in Scotland with her fiancée Elise in lockdown. So, with restrictions having eased in August 2020, Lorraine, 32, visited her dad back in Exeter. On 31 August 2020 she celebrated the bank holiday by having drinks in the city with friends. By the early hours, Lorraine was on her way back to her dad's house. Drunk and unsteady, she walked alone along Exeter's High Street. Only, there was a man behind her. He got closer until he was walking alongside her. Then he put his arm around her. There's no way of…

What's your favourite ice cream flavour? Ooh! So many to choose from. I love a coconut ice cream, but I wouldn't say no to vanilla either. Do you have a go-to karaoke song? I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, a 1970s disco classic which I love. I don't usually do karaoke, but I reckon I'd attempt this song. What is your best or most memorable moment of the year so far? A lovely four-day break in Corton, Norfolk, in March, with a fabulous view looking out to sea. The weather was fantastic, as was the accommodation, and the people we met made the time away enjoyable too. What are you known for in your family? I'm always available to help! I have a real problem saying the words ‘no, sorry,…

Teep is a Bengali term for what cultural adornment, widespread in southern Asia? 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 one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 2 Greenfly • Pair of performers 4 Sprint • Up to the time 6 Hold fast • Beer cask 8 ‘What's up, _?’, Bugs Bunny catchphrase • _ post, staircase column Your answer:…

DENIM STYLE TIP Swap rigid maxi skirts for breezy mid-length versions. This season is all about movement and a softer, flowy silhouette. 100% COTTON STYLE TIP Naturally breathable, 100% cotton materials are perfect for staying cool, comfortable and stylish on warm-weather days. SATIN STYLE STYLE TIP Elegant and easy to wear, these slip-on styles look great worn with a simple tee or dressed up with a camisole and heels. FROM £15 LINEN BLEND STYLE TIP Linen is pricey, but you can get the look for less when it's blended with other fabrics. Check the care label for details.…

It was one of my favourite scenes. The whole family sitting around the table, peacefully tucking into dinner. In April this year my partner Steve, then 48, and my sons Lewis, 15, and Lyndon, 2, fell quiet as they enjoyed their chicken, rice, houmous and cucumber. Lewis had always loved his grub and Lyndon was growing into a good eater, too. Suddenly, Lewis broke the contented silence. ‘Mum, Lyndon's gone red in the face,’ he said. ‘I think he might be choking.’ I jumped up, rushing round to Lyndon's chair. He was making straining noises and looking scared. ‘What do we do?’ Steve panicked. I was flapping too. I put my fingers down Lyndon's throat, hoping to dislodge whatever was stuck. ‘Mum, don't do that,’ Lewis said. ‘You'll make him…

The original members of which band all played together in a recording studio for the first time as backing musicians for singer P. J. Proby? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Vice = CAMP + L = CLAMP. 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…

Gail's pratt Gail's now enjoying a new life in France with her sixth husband, Jesse. Let's hope her golden years are less eventful than the half century she spent on the cobbles! Her most terrifying ordeal was finding out that hubby number three, businessman Richard Hillman, was a serial killer – or, in her words: ‘Norman Bates with a briefcase.’ It all came to a head when Richard decided to kill himself along with Gail, her children David and Sarah and granddaughter Bethany, by driving them into a canal. Thankfully, Gail and the kids survived, and Richard met his demise. Gail Chadwick, Coronation Street Laurel's booze battle Given everything that goes on in such a tiny village, it's a wonder more people haven't turned to self-medicating with booze. But the…

As the sun set behind the stunning temple and painted the sky orange, I let out a sigh of contentment. ‘This is bliss,’ I said to my wife Alex, then 36. It was January 2016, and we were in Cambodia – a much needed break from the stress of everyday life. While I worked as a director for Mind, the mental health charity, Alex was in advertising. But there was something else weighing on our minds. Married since 2007, Alex and I had been trying for a baby together. A male friend offered to help, but DIY insemination hadn't worked. Neither had IUI treatment at Kings College Hospital in London. After several failed attempts, by 2014, I was 47, so we'd decided Alex should try instead. But although she'd fallen…

Aries 21 March-20 April If you're trying to decide on a different direction for your career, try considering which path will bring you closer to creating a deeper sense of purpose. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May You're flying high, so find new ways of sharing your skills and knowledge with other people. There are many out there who will benefit from your wisdom. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With Venus in your sign it's time to reflect on who and what are most important in your closest relationships. Find new ways of expressing your creativity. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July With the Sun in Cancer it's easier to reach your most important…

Q My crow's feet are getting worse! Can I do anything to make them look better? Rose Thomas, Devon A Crow's feet and laughter lines are a totally normal part of ageing, but we understand why you'd prefer them to look a little less prominent. Often these lines get worse with dehydration, so make sure you use a serum containing hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water, preventing moisture loss. Apply Revolution Skin Dewy Drench Hydrating Serum, £7.99, Superdrug, after cleansing and before moisturising for plumper, bouncier skin. Eye masks can also make a difference as a more targeted treatment. Use BeautyPro Eye Therapy Under Eye Mask, £6 for three treatments, lookfantastic.com, twice weekly to help smooth out the area. Retinol can help improve the appearance…

TEXT Simply text CHATC followed by a space and your answer/s (spaces between answers please) full name, door number and postcode to 63333 Texts cost 50p plus standard network charge (maximum 160 characters per text). When you enter by text, you may in future get SMS marketing messages from Future plc and Chat. If you want to receive these, please end your text with OPTIN. Texting tips ● Don't put any spaces in an answer that has several words: eg: CHATISTHEBEST not CHAT IS THE BEST. ● If the answer is a name, you need only give the surname: eg: CLOONEY not GEORGE CLOONEY. ● You can use capitals or small letters, but don't use any commas, etc. ● Leave out answers you don't wish to enter. INTERNET Join our…

Before you came into my world, I was a happy, proud mum of four. Even if I had more reason to worry than most. My eldest son Ben had been diagnosed with congenital heart disease at 8 weeks old. His childhood involved multiple major surgeries, but he hit his milestones, did well at school and even played tennis in his teens. And he was a fun big brother to Toby, Zach and Ollie. But in 2007, aged 23, his health declined. ‘He needs a heart transplant,’ docs warned. That March, a donor was found. ‘Come back to me,’ I whispered as he was wheeled into surgery. Only, during the op, they discovered he needed a lung transplant too, which was carried out at the same time. I've had to accept…