Pick Me Up! Special February 2020

February is the month of love, but if you find yourself single, don’t worry! Why not pamper yourself instead and spend the day with your favourite girlfriends? We’re sure you’ll love our handy guide to throwing a ‘Galentine’s Day’ party for you and your favourites (pg12). Speaking of doing good deeds, we’ve been so inspired this month by Katy (pg10). After being diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler, she spent most of her childhood in hospital. Today, she’s spending her time giving back to those who helped her through such a difficult time in her life – she’s even made a career out of it! We’re sure her parents must be so proud of her. Many things can bring out the best in us, but it’s often animals that do the trick.…

February is the month of love, but if you find yourself single, don’t worry! Why not pamper yourself instead and spend the day with your favourite girlfriends? We’re sure you’ll love our handy guide to throwing a ‘Galentine’s Day’ party for you and your favourites (pg12). Speaking of doing good deeds, we’ve been so inspired this month by Katy (pg10). After being diagnosed with leukaemia as a toddler, she spent most of her childhood in hospital. Today, she’s spending her time giving back to those who helped her through such a difficult time in her life – she’s even made a career out of it! We’re sure her parents must be so proud of her. Many things can bring out the best in us, but it’s often animals that do…

Day at the races My boyfriend and I went for a day at the races and we won! It wasn't much at all but it paid for a drink, so we came home happy. Hannah, Essex How funny! Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection. Twins Here's me and my nan Christine! Everyone says we look identical. Hollie, Bristol How funny! Did it hurt? When you got shot by cupid’s arrow. Brunch date My girlfriend and I always celebrate valentines with a date day. Why not eat out for three meals? Rachael, Rochester What do farmers give their wives on Valentine’s? Hogs and kisses Going on an adventure Whenever my best friend and I go on a girls' trip, we love to explore without a map! You end up seeing so much more of the city. Maddie, Bolton Best friends Buddy looks like he’s posing for this pic!…

Day at the races My boyfriend and I went for a day at the races and we won! It wasn't much at all but it paid for a drink, so we came home happy. Hannah, Essex How funny!  Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection. Twins Here's me and my nan Christine! Everyone says we look identical. Hollie, Bristol How funny!  Did it hurt? When you got shot by cupid’s arrow. Brunch date My girlfriend and I always celebrate valentines with a date day. Why not eat out for three meals? Rachael, Rochester What do farmers give their wives on Valentine’s? Hogs and kisses Going on an adventure Whenever my best friend and I go on a girls' trip, we love to explore without a map!…

Waking up in a sheen of sweat, I desperately tried to catch my breath. Looking around my bedroom, it was pitch black, and I was terrified. Swinging my legs out of bed, I crept across the bedroom where Mum and her partner Andy Wilson, then 23, were asleep. ‘I’ve had a bad dream,’ I whispered into the darkness. Andy stirred first, peering at me standing by the door. ‘Get in,’ he smiled, quietly lifting up the duvet. ‘There’s nothing to worry about.’ It was summer 1996 – and, at five years old, I still liked the comfort of my mum when I had a nightmare. She had a way of cuddling me back to sleep within minutes. This time, though, Mum hadn’t stirred, so I’d climbed in next to my stepdad instead. Clambering in between the two of them,…

Waking up in a sheen of sweat, I desperately tried to catch my breath. Looking around my bedroom, it was pitch black, and I was terrified. Swinging my legs out of bed, I crept across the bedroom where Mum and her partner Andy Wilson, then 23, were asleep. ‘I’ve had a bad dream,’ I whispered into the darkness. Andy stirred first, peering at me standing by the door. ‘Get in,’ he smiled, quietly lifting up the duvet. ‘There’s nothing to worry about.’ It was summer 1996 – and, at five years old, I still liked the comfort of my mum when I had a nightmare. She had a way of cuddling me back to sleep within minutes. This time, though, Mum hadn’t stirred, so I’d climbed in next to my…