Table of contents for 31 July 2025 in Chat

For most of her life, Tiffany knew she was different. Only when she hit her 30s did she learn just how much. Diagnosed with a rare condition, progeria, Tiffany is ageing seven times faster than the average person. At 47, she’s the oldest known living person with the condition, with her body the equivalent of 329 years old! What struck me most was Tiffany’s amazing attitude. Once you’ve read her story on p30, you’ll never moan about your grey hairs again. Have a great week,…

Martin Devon, 40, Birmingham Hands on hips, legs wobbling, my sister Kerry, then 10, grinned proudly as she balanced on a football. ‘Look at me,’ she giggled. ‘Be careful,’ I warned, watching her knees shake. As usual, my little sis had more courage than sense! Sure enough, Kerry came tumbling down with a thud. Only, she was soon back up again, chasing me around the hotel pool. We loved our summer holidays in Spain, with our mum, Paula, then 27. A year older, I was always looking out for Kerry. Not that she’d listen. Fun-loving, kind but stubborn, Kerry did her own thing. Even as an adult, she was so strong-willed, confident. But her relationships with the men in her life were always volatile. ‘I’m better off on my own,’…

Hannah Gibson, 44, Crawley, West Sussex Standing in a nightclub in East Grinstead, I swigged a blue WKD as a bloke caught my eye. Dressed in a white T-shirt and with jet-black hair, he had a really cheeky smile. What a shame he was with another girl! It was July 2001 and I was out with my friend when the girl he’d been standing with walked over to me. ‘My mate thinks you’re beautiful,’ she told me, pointing back to the bloke I’d been looking at. Really? Me? At first I wondered if it was a wind-up. See, I was more used to men mocking my size than eyeing me up. Cursed with a big appetite, I’d been the chubbiest girl in class at school, and a target for bullies.…

Alison Caine, 52, Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire Lugging my suitcase through the hotel, my husband Baron, then 44, followed behind with his. It was June 2015, and we’d arrived in Tunisia for a two-week holiday. We’d been visiting the country for 10 years for the gorgeous weather, friendly people, stunning beaches… ‘What’s not to love?’ I said to Baron as we checked into the Marhaba Hotel. It was our fourth stay at the hotel, and it felt like home. But something was different this time. It was so quiet. Three months earlier, 22 people had been killed in a shooting at a museum in Tunis, the capital. When Baron and I had heard, we’d worried it might not be safe to travel to Tunisia. But the company we’d booked our holiday…

Ashamed of my past Q I grew up in a council flat, surrounded by love, even when we had nothing. Now I’m in a job where everyone talks like they were born on luxury yachts! I fake a posh accent just to blend in. I feel like I’m betraying where I came from, but I’m also scared they’ll find out. Can I leave my roots behind? Sammy, 28 A Don’t you flipping dare try! You must have worked harder than your posh colleagues to get where you are today. So don’t erase your background – wear it like a badge of pride, petal. Blend if you must, but don’t lose the spark that makes you who you are. If your workmates laugh, stuff ’em! Should I expose engaged ex? Q My…

3 ways to… keep your house cool It can be tricky to keep the temp down at home on sunny days. Try these tips on doing it for less. 1 Time it right Opening windows at the right time of day is key: when the air is cool outside, opening windows at all sides of your house will let cool air flow through, but if it’s a hot day and the air is warmer outside than inside, close windows to keep the warmer air out, says Energy Saving Trust. Also, when you’re trying to keep the heat out, close blinds and curtains, especially on the side of your home where the sun is shining. B&Q suggests creating your own DIY air conditioning by using a fan with a bowl of ice…

Jasmin Flint, 32, Lincolnshire My eyes were glued to the TV as I watched Belle twirling around the ballroom in her big yellow dress. ‘She’s my favourite princess,’ I told my mum, Manda, then 25. It was 1997, and aged 4, I watched Beauty and the Beast on repeat. I loved all things Disney. We had framed pictures of Winnie the Pooh, and my bed was lined with Mickey and Minnie teddies. On birthdays, I’d always ask for more Disney gifts to add to my collection. Especially from Nana and Grandad. Melvin, then 51, was my dad’s stepdad, but to me, he was just Grandad. At weekends, I’d go to their house for sleepovers. They’d spoil me, buying me new CDs and letting me stay up watching Disney films past…

Dear Alfie, Often, I think back to the day you were born. Cradling you in my arms, I thought about all the possibilities the future held for you. ‘You’ve got the world at your fingertips,’ I whispered. I was excited to see where life would take you. But as we settled into our newborn bubble in July 2014, something worried me. You didn’t react when I walked into a room, yet you responded to my voice. At baby groups, other tots took interest in toys dangling down from the play mats, but you weren’t fussed. After months of testing at Manchester eye hospital, we finally got answers. Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). A group of genetic eye diseases that cause severe vision loss or blindness in infants. The docs couldn’t be…

SWIMSUITS STYLE TIP Amp up your poolside style with a vibrant one-piece. Look for flattering ruching and adjustable straps for subtle support. SHORTS STYLE TIP Wear with a block-colour T-shirt for a laid-back weekend look. Tuck it in to highlight the waist. SHIRTS STYLE TIP A holiday essential, these playful pieces are perfect for throwing over some simple swimwear for some retro charm. FROM £6! DRESSES STYLE TIP These eye-catching designs need minimal styling - team with raffia accessories and let the statement print steal the limelight.…

Stressed by headaches Q I’m frequently getting headaches and experiencing blurred vision. I’m worried it could be something serious, but my partner thinks I’m being paranoid. Livvy, Wolverhampton A Try not to jump to conclusions. Headaches and blurry vision can be caused by several things, many of which are much less serious than a brain tumour. Common causes include eye strain, stress or migraines. That said, if your headaches are frequent, severe or accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting or balance problems, it’s important to see your GP. They’ll check your symptoms, ask about your medical history and may refer you for tests, like an eye exam or imaging. Most headaches aren’t due to a brain tumour, but it’s always good to get checked out if you’re concerned. Why…

Matthew Smith won the Underwater category of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 with a photo of what animal? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Talent or style = FAIR + L = FLAIR. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2x £25 Puzzle 9 Talent or style Tawdry Rings Quick Wood pattern Begs or hopes Discovers Cook in juices Friends Diamond measure Congeals Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 56 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

As Siera watches butterflies flutter around her, she feels at peace. Her garden is her sanctuary. ‘I want to create a wildlife habitat for all the butterflies,’ she says. ‘I’m creating a space where all of these butterflies can transform and come into their own.’ Something that she can really relate to, as it’s taken years for her to become the woman she is today. Siera grew up like any other little girl. But as a teen, she started to notice differences between herself and her peers. ‘By the time I was 16, I hadn’t gotten a period or started going through puberty,’ she explains. ‘I definitely felt different,’ she says. ‘I felt like, why am I younger than everyone else, physically? Why have I not matured in that way?…

Sophie Blake, 52, Brighton Toes tapping and hips wiggling, I grabbed my daughter Maya and we spun round to the sound of ABBA’s Dancing Queen. Kitchen disco time! It was October 2020 and me and Maya, then 13, loved a boogie while making dinner or doing the washing-up. As well as dancing competitions on the Wii, it was our favourite lockdown activity, just the two of us. But when the song came to an end, I flopped onto the chair, exhausted. ‘I’m out of puff!’ I told Maya. I didn’t want to worry her, but I also had a pain in my breast. It had been happening a lot recently… As a single mum to Maya, I was constantly on the go. I told myself that was why I was…

Jane Gorman, 68, from Clydebank When making a cuppa, what comes first, tea or milk? Always the tea! Brew a lovely cup of tea, add the milk and I’ll settle down with my favourite mag and a biccie, preferably a custard cream. What are you reading? I don’t really read books. But I do always read all the stories in Chat magazine. What’s your secret talent? I’m not sure that I have any secret talents but I make a really delicious trifle and a lovely cheesecake too! I’m also great at making the perfect pot of homemade soup. Who is your best friend? Liz. We met at work over 30 years ago and she’s still my number one! If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your…

Just in case To make our luggage more easily identifiable, I used embroidery cotton to stitch initials onto our suitcases. It’s especially good because plane passengers are now discouraged from using ribbons and scarves on handles, as it can obscure bar codes. Babs Lewis, Bristol Get cracking If you have creative kids, don’t throw away empty plastic egg containers. They make very handy reusable paint palettes, without the mess! Simply close the lid when finished to stop the paint drying out, keeping it fresh for the next use. Claire Kirk, Colchester, Essex Fly idea I use tablecloth corner weights to stop a fly screen curtain from blowing around in the summer when the patio doors are open. They act like curtain weights. Alison Payne, Rugby, Warwickshire £25 For every photo…

YOU’RE THE JUDGE! Though Anita Knutson, 18, had moved out of home into her own place, she still phoned her parents every day. A student at Minot State University, in 2007 Anita was training to be a primary school teacher. The ‘smart’, ‘beautiful and fun’ teen was adored by mum Sharon, dad Gordon, sister Anna and brother Daniel. She was known as someone who ‘everybody loved’. Apart from Nichole Thomas, 18, Anita’s flatmate. The pair had known each other since school. But now, living under one roof, they didn’t get along. Known to be hot-headed, Nichole was annoyed by Anita’s alarm clock going off. At her part-time shop job, Nichole moaned so much about her flatmate that one of her colleagues, Donna, told her, ‘You two can’t live together.’ Things…

1 Applying once a day ‘Many people apply their sunscreen before breakfast or just before they sink into their sunlounger and think they’re sorted for the day. In reality, SPF (sun protection factor) breaks down over time, especially with the intense sun exposure abroad, being in and out of water, increased sweating and towel drying,’ says Kimberley Medd, clinic lead at skin care brand Face the Future. She recommends reapplying every two hours and straight after swimming or sweating. Keep this daily routine up when you get home from your holidays too. 2 Not wearing enough ‘Most people use less than half the recommended amount,’ says Kimberley. This means the protection level stated on the bottle isn’t what you’re actually getting on your skin. Kimberley advises using around 30ml (about…

Anita Darnell, 81, Rushden, Northamptonshire No sooner had I sat down with a cuppa, I heard the front door open. ‘Hiya, Nan,’ my granddaughter Danielle, then 36, called, walking through the door. Traipsing behind her, her three daughters Daizee, 18, Poppy, 11, and Jazmine, 5, all gave me a kiss. ‘I better get the kettle back on!’ I laughed. It was November 2022, and since my husband Frank had passed in March 2021, aged 77, I’d never been short of visitors. At 78, I was mum to Teresa, 59, Michelle, 56 – Danielle’s mum – and Paul, 53… then there were the grandkids and great-grandkids. Only, except for Paul, they were all girls! ‘We’re outnumbered, son,’ Frank used to joke to Paul. But they grew used to us gossiping. There was…

Spicy pork and chorizo skewers Cooked on the barbecue or under a hot grill, these skewers are delicious with a bit of char on them. SERVES 6 PREP 10 MINS, PLUS MARINATING COOK 20 MINS 1kg pork tenderloin, cut into 3cm chunks 190g cooking chorizo, cut into 1cm slices 2 red onions, cut into wedges 2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks 1 roasted red pepper (from a jar) 250g houmous 80g toasted pine nuts 6-8 flatbreads, to serve For the marinade: 1 clove garlic, crushed Zest of 1 lemon 2tbsp olive oil 1tbsp each smoked paprika, chilli flakes, red wine vinegar Add the pork and toss to coat, then chill, covered, for at least 1 hr or overnight. Thread the pork, chorizo, onions and peppers onto skewers. Cook them…

Aries 21 March-20 April A sociable sign, ruled by Mars, if a party needs organising, you’re the one to do it. Plan a get-together for friends and create an event to remember. ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May While you’re one of the most determined signs, something has happened recently to rock your faith. Continue with your plans and keep a positive outlook. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June With Venus in your sign right now, you can multitask more than ever, particularly in working life. Approach plans with an open mind for the best outcome. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Now Jupiter is in Cancer, you find you have the Midas touch. This…

Q I get so sweaty in the summer! Is it safe to apply deodorant between and under my boobs? Mandy Stevens, Greenwich A You can apply traditional roll-on deodorant anywhere, but as they are designed specifically for the underarms, they can sometimes feel a little slimy when worn elsewhere, and some contain quite strong ingredients that can cause irritation in sensitive areas. If you find sweat around your bust to be a problem during summer, try a product that’s designed to be applied anywhere on the body, like Luna Daily The All Over Deodorant, £14, cultbeauty.co.uk. The smooth gel stick swipes on completely sheer and it’s gentle enough to use from top to toe. Alternatively, Sure Whole Body Deodorant, £5.25, Ocado, is an all-over deodorant cream that can be dotted…

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the village of Callands in Cheshire is a quiet suburb. With leafy woodland trails, the area is popular with dog walkers and families. But on 14 March 1998, a shocking discovery rocked the community. Out walking his dog with his young son, a man came across a black plastic bin bag, double wrapped and tied up in a knot. Curious, he poked a hole in it with a stick. And when he peered inside, he found the tiny body of a newborn baby boy. Weighing 7lb 5oz, he’d been dumped like a piece of rubbish. During a post-mortem, it was found that wads of tissue paper had been stuffed inside the baby’s mouth. A murder investigation was launched. DNA samples were taken from the baby and…

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Chat winners issue 18 (1 May 2025) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH J Ritzka, Boston £500 CASH M Ritzema, Leominster £250 CASH J Williams, Par E Leyden, Kilmarnock £200 CASH R Corteen, Southport £100 CASH C Wright, Norwich A Loader, Colchester T Manderson, Wolverhampton £75 CASH J Willis, Cardiff £50 CASH A Burr, London M Wigley, Derby J Hepburn, Kirkcudbright L Meek, Newquay A Ray, Northallerton W Baker, Tipton £40 CASH P Miller, Wolverhampton £30 CASH S Cocks, St Austell C Bennatto, Plymouth £25 CASH J Adderley, Birmingham B Black, Southampton £20 CASH J Scarlett, Dagenham S Barclay, Penicuik T Lawton, Hyde M Hancock, Rochdale D Raymond, London S Jones, Wolverhampton A Gerbaldi, Bexhill-on-Sea H Tovell, Great Yarmouth D Thurn, Whitstable C Wickens, Bedford…