Pick Me Up! Special Best Of 3 2017

Speaking out after suffering unimaginable pain can seem daunting, but two brave women have found the strength this month in order to help others. Mum Sukhi (pg38) lost her beloved son Amar in a horrific car accident. A seatbelt could have saved Amar’s life, and she’s made it her mission to stop more family tragedies. Debbie (pg20) thought she’d never get justice for the abuse she suffered, but 43 years later, she made a stand for victims everywhere. Having to dig deep at a time of crisis is something Natasha knows about all too well (pg32) . Her young daughter Nakita was left paralysed while learning to surf, but their fighting spirit is inspirational. New mum Paige (pg40) was terrified when her daughter was born with a huge tumour, but…

Speaking out after suffering unimaginable pain can seem daunting, but two brave women have found the strength this month in order to help others. Mum Sukhi (pg38) lost her beloved son Amar in a horrific car accident. A seatbelt could have saved Amar’s life, and she’s made it her mission to stop more family tragedies. Debbie (pg20) thought she’d never get justice for the abuse she suffered, but 43 years later, she made a stand for victims everywhere. Having to dig deep at a time of crisis is something Natasha knows about all too well (pg32) . Her young daughter Nakita was left paralysed while learning to surf, but their fighting spirit is inspirational. New mum Paige (pg40) was terrified when her daughter was born with a huge tumour, but with the…

Beach bunting Such pretty bunting up in St Ives, Cornwall! We had a wonderful time over the school holidays! Dianne, Cheltenham Tonic for your troubles I made this delicious gin and tonic cake to celebrate the return of my favourite programme – The Great British Bake Off! Joanne, Nottingham What a spectacle! What a pretty sight in Bath! We had such a lovely visit to the city, but this was by far my favourite picture. Nadine, Bristol Almost too good to eat We had this cake made for my mum’s 60 th  birthday party. I can’t say it was very good for our waistlines, but you only turn 60 once! Linda, Doncaster Fun at Pride We all had such fun at Manchester Pride recently! Lovely to be with all…

Beach bunting Such pretty bunting up in St Ives, Cornwall! We had a wonderful time over the school holidays! Dianne, Cheltenham Tonic for your troubles I made this delicious gin and tonic cake to celebrate the return of my favourite programme – The Great British Bake Off! Joanne, Nottingham What a spectacle! What a pretty sight in Bath! We had such a lovely visit to the city, but this was by far my favourite picture. Nadine, Bristol Almost too good to eat We had this cake made for my mum’s 60 birthday party. I can’t say it was very good for our waistlines, but you only turn 60 once! Linda, Doncaster Fun at Pride We all had such fun at Manchester Pride recently! Lovely to be with all my friends. Amy, Liverpool Something fishy I couldn’t resist taking a picture of this very weird looking fish…

‘He offered to walk me home’ ‘I froze as his face appeared’ • Pinned down metres from home • Fought off would-be rapist • Turned detective to get justice Dabbing on some lippy, I headed out to meet my mates at the nightclub. I was looking forward to some drinks and a boogie. Only, as I waited in the cold, dark town centre, time ticked by. ‘They’re late,’ I sighed. ‘Sorry! Still getting ready’, one friend texted. Typical! Shivering, I wandered over to sit on a nearby bench when a stranger approached me. ‘Can I borrow a lighter?’ he said. ‘Sure,’ I replied. He was medium height with ginger hair, about my age. We got talking and he seemed quite friendly, so when he asked me for my number, I agreed. Then he invited himself to the nightclub and said he’d nip home to…

‘He offered to walk me home’ ‘I froze as his face appeared’ • Pinned down metres from home • Fought off would-be rapist • Turned detective to get justice Dabbing on some lippy, I headed out to meet my mates at the nightclub. I was looking forward to some drinks and a boogie. Only, as I waited in the cold, dark town centre, time ticked by. ‘They’re late,’ I sighed. ‘Sorry! Still getting ready’, one friend texted. Typical! Shivering, I wandered over to sit on a nearby bench when a stranger approached me. ‘Can I borrow a lighter?’ he said. ‘Sure,’ I replied. He was medium height with ginger hair, about my age. We got talking and he seemed quite friendly, so when he asked me for my number, I…